Microsoft confirms another big Windows update for this year

The timing for Redstone 3 was revealed on a slide detailing Microsoft’s planned Windows 10 release cadence earlier this week. It was shown during the company’s Ignite conference currently being held in Australia.
The upcoming Creators Update is currently being finalised for release in the spring. Microsoft hasn’t set a launch date yet but multiple third-party hardware partners have claimed it will arrive during April. Afterwards, the company will be free to move onto the next major Windows 10 feature upgrade, now set to be released publicly in November.

Groove Music Project NEON concept artwork [Image via MSPoweruser]

MSPoweruser

This confirmation fits with Microsoft’s announcement last year that it will launch two Windows 10 upgrades each year. In 2016, it released a single version, the Anniversary Update, as it adjusted its release cadence to better align with businesses. Going forward, the spring and fall structure observed with the Creators Update and Redstone 3 will be maintained each year.
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Microsoft didn’t reveal any details on Redstone 3 during Ignite. It will make announcements about the content of the update at a later date, probably in blog posts after the launch of the Creators Update and at its Build 2017 developer’s event in May.

Groove Music Project NEON concept artwork [Image via MSPoweruser]

MSPoweruser

It’s widely expected that the first evidence of Microsoft’s Project NEON work will appear in Redstone 3. NEON is a far-reaching overhaul of Windows 10’s interface, introducing a new visual design language that’s more refined than the desktop of today. It focuses on typography, simplicity and animation, allowing app developers to use motion and scale as highlights of their products.
The update could also be used to launch Microsoft’s rumoured “CSHELL,” a “composable shell” that would allow Windows devices to adapt their interface to how they’re being used. Although little is known about the project, it’s said to be a significant effort that will unify Windows products to the greatest extent yet. It’s unclear whether it’ll be ready for launch this year.

My People in the Windows 10 Creators Update

Microsoft

One feature that is likely to make an appearance is My People. It lets you pin your favourite contacts to a dedicated section of the taskbar. You can then click their profile images to immediately start a conversation, share a file or check up on status updates in integrated social apps. Originally intended for the Creators Update, Microsoft has postponed My People’s launch to give it more development time.
The Creators Update and Redstone 3 should give Windows users plenty to look forward to in the months ahead. It’s now only a matter of weeks until the next major release should arrive, bringing with it built-in 3D modelling support, an upgraded Edge browser and an all-new version of Paint.