Microsoft is readying to roll out the Windows 10 October update next week. While there are no exciting features coming up in this update, two notable features are being tested in the preview builds, which could be rolled out later. These are the Desktop Spotlight to set Bing images in a slideshow and a theme-aware splash screen.
Two New Features in Windows 10 October Update
The October update of Windows 10 is considered as a no big deal since it comes with no notable features but rather improvements in existing features and UI. Yet, its rolled out as a notable update. Windows Latest reported that Microsoft is testing two new features in the preview builds, which will be rolled out later.
Desktop Spotlight
This feature has nothing to do with the Spotlight Search in Mac, but rather a theme to set Bing-powered slideshow wallpapers. To date, Microsoft has allowed users to set their desired photo from the gallery as wallpaper, or download a theme from the Microsoft Store to set a bunch of images as slideshow in wallpapers.
While this takes a lot of effort, Microsoft is now enabling a new feature called Desktop Spotlight to procure images from its Bing onto the Desktop wallpaper. The feature can be activated through Settings > Personalization > Background and selecting “Spotlight Collection” in the drop-down menu.
This will take up a collection of beautiful scenery images from Bing to display them in a slideshow on the wallpaper. It’s previously available only for lock screen, but now supporting to desktop background.
Theme-aware Splash Screen
The splash screen is simply a welcome screen, which loads up when the application is clicked. This serves as a front banner displaying the app’s logo and maybe it’s the version number and maker details. This is just to coverup the background booting process while showing the user a hello-type message meanwhile.
The new theme will appear in Microsoft Store, Groove Music, Settings, etc for now, and may expand to other apps soon. Also, it’s been tuned to wake-up with the dark or light theme, by making itself aware of the system theme at that moment. Both these features could be tested in the Windows Insider Program, and rolling out to everyone soon.