The feature, one of the last to be added to the upcoming Creators Update, was announced during Microsoft’s Developer Day event yesterday. It’s available now to Windows Insiders running the latest Build 15031 release.
Compact Overlay
Compatible Universal Windows apps can be pinned to the corner of the display, letting you keep an eye on a film or messaging thread while working with other apps. Dubbed Compact Overlay, the feature will be available to any developer and won’t be limited to certain app genres. It’ll be most useful for apps displaying content you’re not continually interacting with.
Compact Overlay in Windows 10 Creators Update
Microsoft
At launch, Compact Overlay works with Microsoft’s Movies & TV and Skype Preview app. It will come to more apps in the future though, adding another option to Windows’ multitasking capabilities.
Compact Overlay could also be added to Microsoft Edge, letting online videos play in picture-in-picture mode. The initial release version of Edge actually allowed the window to be resized while playing fullscreen video. This is no longer possible in Edge but can be achieved in third-party browsers.
Dynamic Lock
Compact Overlay in Windows 10 Creators Update
Microsoft
As well as Compact Overlay, the latest Windows 10 Insider Preview comes with a new security feature called Dynamic Lock. It automatically locks your computer if a Bluetooth-paired phone isn’t in the region. If you walk away from your desk and take your phone with you, Windows will lock itself after 30 seconds. The behaviour can be disabled in Settings.
Cortana Reminders
Separately, Microsoft today announced an upgrade for Cortana’s Reminders feature. It uses machine learning to automatically detect when you’ve entered a commitment via email. Cortana then automatically creates a reminder and prompts you to follow up on it during the day.
Compact Overlay in Windows 10 Creators Update
Microsoft
Microsoft encouraged users to continue using email as normal over the next few weeks. When you express intent to perform an action, Cortana will recognise it and save the details in a suggested reminder. If a deadline is mentioned it will automatically be attached as the task’s due date.
Currently, the new reminders experience is only available in the U.S. on Windows 10 devices. Microsoft said it will expand to iOS and Android “in the coming weeks.” To use the feature, Cortana must be allowed access to your personal information in the assistant’s Permissions options.
Developer Day
The Windows 10 Creators Update is now feature complete so no more significant additions will be made before it reaches customers. Microsoft used its Developers Day to interact with Windows Insiders and app creators, collaboratively listening to feedback and fixing issues.
Microsoft Edge features in the Windows 10 Creators Update
Microsoft
Microsoft detailed more options for game developers and players, new capabilities coming to its Universal Windows platform and improvements across the OS to make Windows a more productive place to build. The architectural work presents itself to users through features such as Compact Overlay and Dynamic Lock that make PCs easier to use.
The Windows 10 Creators Update will launch this spring as a free update for Windows 10 devices. Windows Insiders can download Build 15031 today to get an early look at what’s on the way.
