Windows 10 Social Update? My People and Gmail experience in latest Insider build

Microsoft released a new build for Windows Insider systems on the Fast Ring channel that brings the version to 16184 on PC.

The first builds for the upcoming Redstone 3 version of Windows -- out in September 2017 probably -- bring social improvements to the operating system. This is the first build that introduces new major features, and since both introduce social options, it is possible that Microsoft plans to make the next version of Windows 10 the Social Update version.

While that is a bit premature probably, the two new features that are available in Windows 10 Insider Preview 16184 improve the social experience.

My People

My People, which Microsoft first considered for a Creators Update release, is now available to Windows 10 Insiders.

My People is all about the people you care about according to Microsoft.

Technology is all about making it easier for you to connect with your most important people. Whether you want to share a photo, make plans for dinner, or get an answer from a friend or coworker – My People is here to take it to the next level and bring the people you care about most to the center of your experience.

The first version of the feature lands with three new options for Windows 10 users:

• Pin up to three contacts to the Windows taskbar for faster contact options.
• Pick an app you want to use for chat, and Windows 10 remembers it.
• View multiple communication apps together and filtered to each person on the taskbar.

For this to work at all, the latest versions of Skype, Mail and People need to be installed on the system. If you have troubles getting this to work, visit the Windows Store and click on the profile icon, and then on downloads and updates in the menu to run a check for available application updates.

Once you have done that, click on the people icon in the taskbar to start the first run experience and setup of the feature.

Microsoft notes that contact syncing needs to be enabled in Skype. This is the default for newer versions of Skype, but if an older version was used, it needs to be enabled manually in the Skype application settings.

Note: You may hide the People icon in the taskbar in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Show people on the taskbar (slider).

Gmail Experience

The second new feature introduces a new experience for Gmail accounts in the Windows 10 Mail and Calendar applications.

In short, Gmail users get Focused Inbox support, a faster and improved search functionality, and travel and package tracking.

Focus Inbox uses algorithms to push important mails to the front, and others to the back. It uses criteria such as how often you interact with email addresses, or the content of emails, to decide whether it is an important email (focused) or not (other).

The second new feature, travel and package tracking, adds the ability to verify travel reservations and package deliver details, check in for flights, change hotel and car reservations, stay on top of flights, or track packages to the experience.

Microsoft notes that data will get synced to the Microsoft Cloud when you enable the functionality.

The roll out happens gradually over weeks, according to Microsoft, with updates of the Gmail account settings proposed to users who are eligible for the update.

Closing Words

Microsoft fixed a handful of issues in the new Windows 10 Insider Build version as well, for instance a issue with Counter Strike Global Offensive hanging or freezing during game play, or  fix for Dolby Digital Live / DTS connect audio devices.

The two new features that are introduced in Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 16184 for PC introduce social features to the operating system. Microsoft promised to expand the functionality of one -- the My People feature -- in future builds as well including an "improved share story for People".

Now You: Could the next Windows 10 feature update be the social update?

 

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