New Windows 10 improvements revealed at WinHEC

Mar 20, 2015 12:25 GMT  ·  By
Windows Phone will get features that are currently available on rival platforms
   Windows Phone will get features that are currently available on rival platforms

Microsoft is working to improve Windows 10 for phones in a way that would allow the platform to compete against Android and iOS, and bringing features that are already available on these two is probably a good place to start.

A slide revealed by Microsoft at WinHEC in China showcases some of the features that Microsoft is planning to add in Windows 10 for phones and that could help the operating system offer the same functionality as its rivals.

For instance, Microsoft is working on 4K video capture and independent Flash control, but also on better face detection and zooming options during video capture. An HDR mode for videos and extended variable photo sequence are also in the works.

Looking in rivals' yards

But what's more interesting is that Microsoft is also developing features that would allow a variable frame rate, which basically means that users can shoot videos in slow motion. This particular feature has been around for a while, especially on iOS, where iPhone buyers could use it since 2014.

Another unexpected option is the possibility of taking photos with a square aspect ratio, which once again raises some questions for Windows Phone users. This feature was already available in WP8.1, but Microsoft is working to enhance it with more options.

There are some voices claiming that this particular feature could be offered on more affordable devices, where the focus is on social networks, so taking photos with a square aspect ratio would make them look better on Instagram.

Once again, Microsoft is not the first company that makes square photos possible because BlackBerry, with Q10 and Passport, can do the same since launch. On BlackBerry Passport, users can also choose a wide aspect ratio, but the default configuration is set on square.

Right now, all these feature are still under development for Windows 10, but there's no doubt that Microsoft is really keen on bringing them to users. Obviously, they would clearly come in handy, especially because rival platforms had them for years.