As it does every year, Microsoft announced a number of new products, projects and moonshots at its annual Build developer conference.
Here's a rundown of everything you need to know from the event.
An anniversary present
Microsoft is launching its latest version of Windows 10, dubbed Windows 10 Anniversary Update, later this summer.
Important upgrades include the ability for developers to implement Windows Hello biometric support in their apps.
The Windows 10 Anniversary Update arrives for free this summer
Microsoft is doubling down on digital ink
Alongside the Anniversary Update, Windows 10 will get enhanced stylus support through Windows Ink.
The company plans to integrate Ink support into its own apps like Word and Maps, and partners like Adobe are already committing to adding support to programs like Illustrator. And because the API is public, anybody with an (ink) dream can get on board.
Windows Ink puts the pen front and center to solve for pen-and-paper tasks
Facebook and Microsoft get cozier
Facebook committed to bringing native apps to Microsoft's Universal Windows Platform, including the core app, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram. While Facebook is already ahead of many of its rivals in supporting Microsoft's properties, it's nice to know Windows 10 Mobile will be well served by the world's biggest social network.
Facebook universal Windows 10 apps coming "soon"{.cta .nofollow}
Bash that, Cortana
Linux and Windows are meeting in the middle! Microsoft announced that it is working with Ubuntu creator, Canonical, to bring a native version of the popular Bash shell to the Windows Store. Strange bedfellows, indeed!
The Bash shell is officially coming to Windows 10
HoloLens on its way
HoloLens shipments are on their way to developers and enterprise partners today. But when do I get mine?
HoloLens shipments begin today to developers and enterprise partners
Cortana is creating a bot network
Microsoft announced a new SDK that will make it easy for developers to create simple bots that work within apps.
A Bot Directory is where examples can be gleaned, and using Cortana's natural language prowess, Microsoft already has a head start on the competition.
Cortana Intelligence Suite will offer a rich bot framework with machine learning{.cta .nofollow}
Beam me up, Continuum
Microsoft says that Xbox controller support is coming to Continuum, the company's way for creating a full Windows desktop experience from a smartphone.
Future versions of continuum will also reportedly do away with the cord: Windows 10 Mobile users will be able to "beam" Continuum sessions to compatible monitors.
Xbox controller support and beaming to a PC are coming to Continuum for Windows 10 Mobile
Looking for more? Hit up our dedicated Build 2016 portal for everything you need to know about Microsoft's developer conference!
