Next major Windows 10 update will be called Creators Update

Microsoft is live in New York City, where it is holding a hardware event.

While at the event, the company revealed the next major Windows 10 update would be available in “early 2017” and that it would be called Creators Update. Keep in mind the last major update to Windows 10, the Anniversary Update, just rolled out in August with a bunch of new features, including the new Windows Ink workspace and Edge extensions, among other things.

3D creation 

The Creators Update will be all about creating and playing, Microsoft suggested. And it’ll be free to every Windows 10 device. After announcing the update’s name and shipping target, the company launched into 3D creation, saying it hopes to expand its for “vision for mixed reality with 3D for everyone”. With the Creators Update, Microsoft asked what 3D can do to “unleash the creator in each of us”.

As easy as 1, 2, 3D – it’s a snap to create 3D objects from scratch with the new Paint 3D Preview. #MicrosoftEvent pic.twitter.com/HRDjkcZPEm

— Windows (@Windows) October 26, 2016

Microsoft then introduced the new Paint 3D app. After a brief demo of the app, in which we saw the ability to move objects to the top of what looks like 3D layers, as well as a magic selection tool that creates shapes and objects and automatically removes backgrounds of photos, Microsoft declared “3D is for everyone” with the Creators Update. You’ll even be able to export Minecraft creations and 3D print them.

Announcing new ways to bring your ideas to life with 3D for everyone. #MicrosoftEvent pic.twitter.com/7SdI1j8N4g

— Windows (@Windows) October 26, 2016

You’ll also be able to scan and create 3D objects and create your own personal emojis. Microsoft said it will integrate 3D into its popular applications as well, including PowerPoint, which will have a new 3D models option. For more information on Microsoft’s 3D capture experience that will be available in the new Paint 3D app with the Creators Update, check out this separate piece.

Holograms and VR headsets

Microsoft said 3D objects are holograms, so you can create a chair, and then use the HoloLens headset to see how it’ll look in your house. From there, Microsoft launched into a pitch about wanting VR headset makers to start using Windows Holographic. It also said, “With the Creators Update, our partners including HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and Acer will be shipping VR headsets.”

All these new VR headsets will ship with six degree of freedom sensors, and they’ll start at $299.

We’re partnering with top PC makers to build a range of innovative VR headsets starting at $299. Coming in 2017. #MicrosoftEvent pic.twitter.com/pMnFbJFZe6

— Windows (@Windows) October 26, 2016

Game broadcasting

Microsoft also started talking about Xbox and gaming, and it related this all back to the Creators Update, saying it designed the update for e-sports. Game broadcasting will be part of the Xbox app in the update, for instance. So, you’ll hit the Game Bar inside the Xbox app, then hit broadcast, and it’s immediate. A chat window will hover over the top of the game, and you can see your stream in real-time.

Game Bar in #Windows10 Creators Update features fully integrated game broadcasting with Beam. Just press Windows key + G. #MicrosoftEvent pic.twitter.com/6XgRHEheu3

— Windows (@Windows) October 26, 2016

The company is essentially going after Twitch here. After demoing the broadcast feature, Microsoft announced Arena on Xbox Live, which will let you host your own tournament, and then it went to a Xbox One S recap, including mentions of how Windows 10 is built for 4K gaming. It also said Bitstream audio pass-thru, with Atmos support, is coming with the Creators Update for Windows 10 and Xbox.

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