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How Microsoft embraced 'messy’ creativity with Windows Ink
Windows Ink isn't Microsoft's first stab at bringing stylus support to PCs. That would be Windows for Pen Computing in the early '90s, followed by Windows XP Tablet Edition. But Ink is the company's most successful attempt. It made stylus support a core part of Windows 10, and it's a big reason you're seeing so many computer makers shipping digital pens of their own. While the company's renewed push into the space with its hybrid Surface tablets seemed baffling at first, it's ended up looking like a prescient move. It even convinced Apple to compete with the iPad Pro's Pencil.
Windows 10's Anniversary Update arrives
After a few months of hype, the Windows 10 Anniversary Update is here... well, mostly. Microsoft has started rolling out the upgrade to desktop users, who'll automatically receive it in stages. "Newer machines" will get it first. You can update manually if you just can't stand sitting behind the curve. However long you wait, your PC will get more pervasive Cortana voice commands (such as controlling some apps), deeper pen input (including a dedicated pen interface) and a spruced-up Edge browser with extensions.
Windows 10's Anniversary Update makes a great OS better
"It's nice, for once, to be able to recommend a new version of Windows without any hesitation." That's how I summarized my review of Windows 10 last year, and for the most part, it's lived up to my expectations. Other than Microsoft's bafflingly forceful automatic upgrade policy (which has led to lawsuits and plenty of ticked-off users), the operating system's first year on the market has been relatively smooth.
Windows 10 beta testers can make Cortana a DJ or an egg timer
Beta testers who elect to receive the the freshest test builds of Windows 10 have some new features on the way, as we move even closer to the big Anniversary Update this summer. With Build 14352, Cortana's music abilities go from simply being able to play any song from your library by voice command, to pulling any song from the Groove Music catalog (assuming you have a Groove music subscription, of course), and now also can easily set a timer, similar to other automated assistants like Amazon Alexa. Windows Ink is also getting a new Cortana wrinkle, since you can create reminders for it directly from notes, as well as write down a phone number, URL or email address and launch the appropriate app directly from a note.
Microsoft rolls out Windows Ink for beta testers
Windows Ink is available today for Insiders in the Fast ring, allowing users to sketch, write notes on sticky pads and draw all over screenshots with a digital pen (or your finger, if you're an au naturel kind of person). The update adds a Windows Ink Workspace, which is accessible from the system tray or by clicking the back of your connected pen. The Workspace brings up pen-enabled apps like the sketchpad, sticky notes and screen sketch, and it has a space to suggest more pen-friendly experiences.
