Windows 10 Creators Update
Introduction
Windows 10 Creators Update is a new update for Microsoft’s operating system that introduces several new features, including 3D and Virtual Reality (VR) capabilities [1]. The company’s intention is to cross the chasm between Augmented Reality (AR) and VR by introducing a new concept that will be part of the strategy for Microsoft Creators Update: Mixed Reality (MR) [2].
Microsoft partnered with various companies, such as Acer, Lenovo, and Asus, to release VR headsets that are based on Windows 10. These are intended to be affordable, simple to setup, and low on minimal requirements when compared to head-mounted displays (HMDs) like the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive. The company’s objective is to bring mixed reality to the masses [2].
Microsoft Windows 10 Creators Update has several new mixed reality features, allowing the users to experience Windows 10 apps, games, movies, TV, and music in a new way [2]. This platform will have a big focus on 3D creativity; this includes generating 3D images and uploading and downloading 3D objects from a newly launched community website. One of the biggest aspects of the Creators Update is how users will use and view 3D content in VR headsets [3].
With this update to the Windows operating system, it will also be possible to create a custom space in VR where the user will have access to his favorite Windows 10 apps. The apps can be placed in virtual shelves (Figure 1) [3].
Microsoft Windows 10 Creators Update was released in April 2017 and according to Microsoft, it is a step in the development of the “first, fully self-contained holographic computer” offering a true mixed reality experience [2]. The Windows 10 Creators Update is available for free to all Windows 10 users that own compatible devices that will be available to the general public at the end of the year [1] [2] [3].
For information on how to download Windows 10 Creators Update, please click here.
Announcement and demonstrations
Microsoft officially announced the Windows 10 Creators Update during a press conference in October 2016. In December 2016, during the WinHEC conference, the company further announced its partnerships with HP, Lenovo, Dell, Acer and ASUS to create more affordable VR headsets [2] [3].
During the October presentation, Microsoft showed some features of the Creators Update, including its compatibility with HoloLens. They also used partner companies’ VR headsets to demonstrate the creation and handling of 3D objects, and 3D interaction with Microsoft Edge [3].
Main features
With a philosophy of empowering the creative side of users, Microsoft Windows 10 Creators Update delivers new innovations that include “3D in Windows 10, built-in game broadcasting, new tab management features and more, and enhanced security features such as a new Microsoft privacy dashboard.” [4]
The update also introduces HoloTours - a feature that enables headset owners to explore and interact with virtual experiences, mixing together spacial sound, panoramic video, and holographic scenery to build a VR world around the user [3].
- 3D in Windows 10 - with the Creators Update, users can experience, create, and share content in 3D. There is a new app called Paint 3D that is used to create or modify 3D objects, to change their color, texture, or turn 2D images into 3D. Furthermore, with Remix3D.com, the users are able to share, discover, and be inspired by 3D objects from other creators [4].
- Low-cost virtual reality - The new line of VR headsets from companies like Dell, Acer, and HP are compatible with the Creators Update and will provide VR and AR experiences at a low price ($300) [1].
- Improved messaging and file sharing - Users will be able to share files with their contacts simply by dragging them to a contact’s icon in the task bar [1].
- Game broadcasting and tournaments - Gamers are able to stream games at 4k with Beam and create their own custom tournaments. Beam is a game streaming service included with the Windows 10 Creators Update [1] [4].
For a detailed list of all the new features in Microsoft Windows 10 Creators Update, please visit the company’s blog.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Wintellect (2016). Windows 10 ‘Creators Update’ will include new 3D, virtual reality features. Retrieved From http://www.wintellect.com/devcenter/paulballard/windows-10-creators-update-will-include-new-3d-virtual-reality-features
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Zelenika, K. (2017). Windows 10 Creators Update with mixed reality launches. Retrieved from https://vrworld.com/2017/04/10/microsoft-windows-10-creators-mixed-reality/
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Parrish, K. (2016). Windows 10 Creators Update bundles VR and AR, partner headsets start at $300. Retrieved from https://www.digitaltrends.com/virtual-reality/windows-10-creators-update-vr-ar-headsets-spring-2017/
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Hopper-Ruiz, M. (2017). What’s new in the Windows 10 Creators Update. Retrieved from https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2017/04/11/whats-new-in-the-windows-10-creators-update/#EDrSQrAjC4GLHZep.97
