Alongside the PC release of Windows 10 Redstone 5 build 17686, Microsoft is also rolling out the first Redstone 5 preview build of Windows 10 Redstone 5 for HoloLens too for Insiders who are registered in the Fast ring on their HoloLens devices. So far, a changelog hasn't been made available from Microsoft detailing what's new for HoloLens, but the build is available now in the Fast ring.
To get the build, you must be registered as an Insider in the Fast ring, and already running the April 2018 update for HoloLens. Right now, the April 2018 update for HoloLens can only be acquired by flashing your HoloLens with the April 2018 update FFU, which wipes your device. If you'd rather not wipe your device, Microsoft says it will begin rolling out the April 2018 update for HoloLens officially on June 26 via Windows Update.
So far, there doesn't appear to be any noticeable new changes or features on the surface in build 17686 for HoloLens. It's likely any changes in this build are under the hood or minor. I have noticed that reveal effects are now working properly in this build, meaning you get the same awesome reveal effects in apps like Settings and Microsoft Edge now. I've also noticed Settings now features a translucent sidebar like it does on PC, albeit without the blur effects.
The bigger news here is Microsoft appears to be actively flighting builds in the Insider Program for HoloLens again. After briefly receiving a few builds during the development phase of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update in 2016, HoloLens remained pretty dormant, receiving no new builds officially or via the Insider Program until earlier this year with Redstone 4. Now, it appears Redstone 5 builds are being flighted to HoloLens, which should reassure those who thought Microsoft had abandoned HoloLens 1.
If you've got a HoloLens, will you be signing up to the Insider Program and downloading Redstone 5 builds? Let us know in the comments!
