What you need to know
- New Windows 10 19H2 preview builds are available for Insiders in the Slow ring.
- Build 18362.10012 ships with new features off by default and 18362.10013 has them on by default.
- Insiders on 18362.10005 will get 18362.10012, while those on 18362.10006 will get 18362.10013.
If you're a Windows Insider in the Slow ring, it's time to pick up a new preview build. Well, there are actually two preview builds to check out: one with new features off by default, and the other with them turned on.
This is the same approach Microsoft took to its last new builds, though it pushed those out on separate days. If you're currently on Slow ring build 18362.10005, the build you'll receive today is 18362.10012, which has new features off by default. Those who are currently on build 18362.10006 will snag build 18362.10013, which ships with the new features turned on.
For those who are on the Windows 10 May 2019 Update and opt into the Slow ring, Microsoft says it's a "coin toss" on which build you'll receive.
As for what's new, there are a handful of new features related to notification settings to check out. Likewise, you'll now have the option to create events on your calendar from the flyout. Here's the full rundown of what's new:
- You can now quickly create an event straight from the Calendar flyout on the Taskbar. Just click on the date and time at the lower right corner of the Taskbar to open the Calendar flyout and pick your desired date and start typing in the text box – you'll now see inline options to set a time and location.
- The navigation pane on the Start menu now expands when you hover over it with your mouse to better inform where clicking goes.
- We have added friendly images to show what is meant by "banner" and "Action Center" when adjusting the notifications on apps in order to make these settings more approachable and understandable.
- Notifications settings under Settings > System > Notifications will now default to sorting notification senders by most recently shown notification, rather than sender name. This makes it easier to find and configure frequent and recent senders. We have also added a setting to turn off playing sound when notifications appear.
- We now show the options to configure and turn off notifications from an app/website right on the notification, both as a banner and in Action Center.
- We have added a "Manage notifications" button to the top of Action Center that launches the main "Notifications & actions" Settings page.
- We have added additional debugging capabilities for newer Intel processors. This is only relevant for hardware manufacturers.
- We have made general battery life and power efficiency improvements for PCs with certain processors.
- A CPU may have multiple "favored" cores (logical processors of the highest available scheduling class). To provide better performance and reliability, we have implemented a rotation policy that distributes work more fairly among these favored cores.
The latest Slow ring builds are available to Slow ring Insiders now via Windows Update.
Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love
Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.
VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)
This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.
Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)
Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.
Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)
This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.
