14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has recently released Windows 10 build 9879 and said that no other updates will be revealed until January 2015, but we now have the very first details about a newer build that comes with even more improvements in terms of features and visual effects.
Windows 10 build 9888, which is likely to be offered only to partners and a few testers – so users won’t get their hands on it too soon – includes new effects when maximizing windows, thus making the whole experience a bit smoother when working on the desktop.
There still are some things to be improved as far as these effects are concerned, but it’s pretty clear that everything looks a bit more polished now, so expect even more tweaks in this regard to be offered soon.
New context menus and a single PC settings screen
Windows 10 build 9888 now comes with new context menus, but they are not yet available throughout the entire operating system but only in certain places, such as the taskbar and the Start menu. People have been asking for the unification of context menus since the release of Windows 10 Technical Preview 9841, so Microsoft is now working to make them available in a future build.
At the same time, it appears that, in build 9888, the PC settings and the zPC settings menus were merged into a single one that provides access to all configuration options on your PC.
What’s more, Microsoft implemented a new search box in the PC settings screen that allows you to look for settings and launches the search charm for quicker access.
It’s not yet clear whether all settings will be moved in the Modern UI, but we highly doubt that the desktop Control Panel can be removed right now, as PC users still need such an option that can be easily accessed with a mouse.
Last but not least, build 9888 is the first version that comes with kernel 10.0, as Microsoft updates the version number to better signal the adoption of the one core strategy that pushes the Windows platform to a completely revamped feature lineup on desktops and tablets.
No other release till late January
Even though build 9888 appears to be ready for testing, Microsoft won’t release any other update until late January, when the company is expected to present the Consumer Preview.
Redmond might be holding a press event specifically for the introduction of Windows 10 Consumer Preview in January, with some sources saying that Windows Phone 10 could also its first public appearance during this conference.
