Windows 10 Tech Preview Promises A More Sophisticated Mail

Microsoft seems to be putting on the heat with its Windows 10 previews, bringing out Build number 10061 out of the woodwork. And if the rumors are true, it better be really cranking up things. In this latest Technical Preview, Redmond teaches the Mail and Calendar app a few new tricks. Users who like to personalize their Windows experience will also be in for a treat. And the Continuum experience that switches back and forth desktop and tablet modes has seen a few nips and tucks, as well as more options to tweak things to your liking.

First up is Mail and Calendar, but particularly Mail. The app, which is a Universal one common to all Windows versions including phones, has become more attuned to its desktop/tablet nature. This simply means that the three panel layout of the app has returned. But, at the same time, is borrowing a few conventions from its mobile incarnation, such as the ability to swipe email left or right to delete, archive, flag, or move it. And you can decide what those actions will do! Mail is also getting a bit of Office powers with the new mail composer allowing you use tables, pictures, colors, and whatnot, almost like Word.

Microsoft has also added a few theming options in this round. First is a new black system theme that turns the Start Menu, Taskbar and Action Center into that dreary dark color. Windows 10 now also sports an AutoColor mode. Simply drop in a new wallpaper and Windows 10 will pull out the primary color and theme the desktop accordingly. And for tinkerers, they can now set not only the color of the Start Menu, Taksbar, and Notification Center but also set their transparency.

Last but definitely not the least, Continuum is getting a slight upgrade, particularly when it is in Tablet Mode. Here, the Start Button, Cortana, and Task View buttons are enlarged to become more finger friendly. Pinned apps and running apps are also removed from view to prevent cluttering up the precious space. This is the new default behavior but can be toggled off easily. Finally, there is now an option to boot directly to Tablet Mode, which should be a convenience for tablet users. In fact, those with tablets measuring 10 inches and below will see this as the default. Of course, unless your tablet is below 8 inches, in which case you won't be getting Continuum anyway.

Microsoft does seem quite active in putting out regular technical previews to show signs of life, but it might be running out of time. If AMD's slip of the tongue is accurate, we'll see Windows 10 by July, which leaves Microsoft little time to get Windows 10 polished and ready for its debut.

SOURCE: Microsoft