Windows 10 Features & Rumors: Sneak Peek to New OS Shows Cortana, Xbox App

The latest sneak peek on Windows 10's development shows Cortana as one of the main features fo the new operation system from Microsoft along with a new Xbox application, CNET reported.

Microsoft's voice assistant is shown all the way to the top of the search interface and is expected to grant access to a number of basic features, including one's notebook and reminders. The Cortana version is being deemed as highly similar to that of the Windows Phone.

The new Xbox app also reportedly puts in a dynamic Xbox experience where users can easily view people on on their friends list, and what their past and current achievements are. They can also monitor their activity feed and check out the Xbox store.

In addition, the Windows Store is now offering new content. Aside from new apps, the store will reportedly bring in new music, TV shows and films. This leads to speculation that Microsoft is planning to incorporate contents from Xbox Music store and Xbox Video store into Windows Store.

Windows 10 is still in its early phases, although every build of the Technical Preview shows new and improved features and components. The new operating system aims to address the weaknesses of Windows 8, especially among users who were accustomed to its predecessor, the Windows 7.

A couple of tweaks have already been made for Windows 10, including the start menu that was noticeably missing in Windows 8. The Windows Store apps were also fixed in such a way that these can be operated from the desktop because of having resizable windows.

Furthermore, the settings screen now resembles the typical Control Panel, and its icon was not placed on the Charms Bar anymore.

Overall, the additional features and minor improvements suggest that Microsoft is dropping several confusing elements and restoring the efficient integration of all main settings.The public is looking forward to an official launch of Windows 10 on Jan. 21.