Microsoft has released Windows 10 build 20206 for PCs enrolled in the Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program. This is the preview number 35 rolling out to testers, and it’s an update that introduces some design changes, features, and fixes that are expected to arrive with version 21H1 and future releases.
Windows 10 build 20206, according to the company, ships with a redesigned version of the Emoji Picker that includes more emojis, and support for more languages, kaomojis, and symbols. Also, the experience added a new tab to manage the clipboard history and another tab to insert animated GIFs.
This flight also introduces a new version of the voice typing feature, new touch keyboard design, and several new fixes.
What’s new on Windows 10 build 20206
Here are all the new features and changes available with build 20206.
Emoji Picker with clipboard history and GIFs integration
Windows 10 introduces a new version of its Emoji Picker that integrates the clipboard history and adds support for animated GIFs, in addition to support for more languages, kaomojis, and symbols.
The new picker has a modern design using Fluent Design visual elements, such as blur and transparency. It now includes an inline search box to make it easier to discover emojis and animated GIFs, which will be continuously updated based on current trends and hashtags.
Since the Emoji Picker is integrating the clipboard history, you can now insert emojis and copies from a single experience using the “Windows key + .” or “Windows key + ;” or “Windows key + V” keyboard shortcuts.
New Voice Typing optimized for touch keyboards
Starting with build 20206, Windows 10 is introducing Windows Voice Typing, which is a new version of the Windows Dictation feature that allows you to type using your voice.
In this new version, you’ll find a modern design that has been optimized for touch keyboards. Auto-punctuation to help you focus on writing rather than thinking about question marks and periods. Also, the experience has been updated to offer a more reliable experience.
You can give it a try using the “Windows key + H” keyboard shortcut.
The Voice Typing feature is available on English (US), English (Australia), English (India), English (Canada), English (United Kingdom), French (France), French (Canada), Portuguese (Brazilian), Simplified Chinese, Spanish (Mexico), Spanish (Spanish), German, Italian, and Japanese.
Touch keyboard new design and improvements
In addition, Windows 10 build 20206 ships a new touch keyboard design that features a new fresh aesthetic and several tweaks, including updated key sizes and layouts to optimize for typing comfort and accuracy. Also, there are some design improvements to help users discover and use the features.
Some of these improvements include new annotations and sounds when pressing a key. Child keys have been optimized for quicker entry. You’ll now find the button to undock the keyboard in the top right corner, in the candidate bar, and you can easily move the keyboard around using the gripper region at the top of the keyboard.
All entries in the settings menu now have labels for improved clarity of available options. The touch keyboard also includes emoji and GIFs search, and there is a new option to use voice typing to the left of the space bar in supported languages.
Also, you can now change the cursor position with the touch keyboard in any text field using gestures on the space bar. Place a finger on the space bar and slide your finger left, right, up, or down. As the finger moves, so will the cursor (one character or line at a time).
Task Manager tweaks
When setting focus to Windows Explorer in the Processes tab of Task Manager, Windows 10 is updating the keyboard shortcut for the Restart option to “Alt + R.”
Narrator improvements
Finally, when annotated content and linked control Narrator commands are invoked in context which doesn’t have any linked controls available, the Narrator will now say “No linked item.”
Although the company is officially introducing a new Emoji Picker, Voice Typing, and touch keyboard experience, these features will only be available for a subset of testers.
Microsoft is listing the complete set of improvements, fixes, and known issues for Windows 10 Insider Preview build 20206 at the Windows Blog.
Download Windows 10 build 20206
The preview is available immediately through the Dev Channel. This preview build will download and install automatically on your computer, but you can always force the update from Settings > Update & security > Windows Update, and clicking the Check for updates button.
You can learn more about all the changes available in the current development process of Windows 10 in this guide.
