The Windows 10 April 2018 Update is officially here as of April 30, so read on to find out why this new update is worth getting excited about.

In a lot of ways, Microsoft crafted one of the best operating systems it’s ever made with Windows 10. One of the reasons it’s so popular is the way Microsoft continues to support it with free major overhauls, like the Windows 10 April 2018 Update.

As with any major update for Windows 10, the April 2018 Update (which was previously called the Spring Creators Update) brings a ton of exciting new features to the operating system, and we’ve gathered up everything we know about the update and dumped it right here in this article.

Luckily, you can now update to the Windows 10 April Update manually, and we even have a guide on how to download and install it now.

The Windows 10 April Update was originally scheduled to release on April 10, but thanks to some reliability issues leading to frequent BSODs on some PCs, it was delayed. But, Microsoft has since fixed these issues and the Windows 10 April Update is now available for download. 

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The next major update for Windows 10
• When is it out?  April 30, 2018 
• What will it cost? As with previous major Windows 10 updates, it will be free

Windows 10 April 2018 Update release date

We now know that the official release date for the Windows 10 April 2018 Update is April 30. This will be the day when people can manually download and install the update.

However, if you want to wait until the Windows 10 April 2018 Update becomes available to download automatically, then it should start appearing from May 8, as previous rumors suggested.

This update is the product of over a year’s work, with features that were first tested by Windows Insiders, a group of testers who try out early versions of Windows 10, back in early 2017.

It was thought that the then-named Spring Creators Update would be releasing on April 10. Everything was pointing towards that date being real, until a major bug pushed Redstone 4 back. At least we don’t have to wait any longer.

Windows 10 April 2018 Update confirmed features

Because of the extensive testing process of the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, we have a good idea of some – but not all – of the features that are coming.

Timeline

The Timeline feature was supposed to arrive with last year’s Fall Creators Update, but Microsoft didn’t feel it was ready, so it was cut from the release. Now, after months of testing, it looks like it will debut in Redstone 4.

It shows a visual timeline of the desktop, allowing the user to jump right back into what they were doing on another device – and that includes Android and iOS handsets.

As well as allowing for this seamless transition when switching between different devices, it will also let the user revisit a desktop state from an earlier time. A bit like a Windows version of macOS Time Machine.

It could prove to be a really useful feature, so fingers crossed it’s ready in time.

User interface improvements

The way Windows 10 looks will get a big overhaul with Windows 10 April 2018 Update, with the ‘Fluent Design’ look giving making the operating system look better than ever when the Spring Creators Update arrives.

Many windows and menus you’re used to seeing will get a fresh lick of paint, and not only will Windows 10 look nicer, the operating system will be easier to use as well.

Near Share

Microsoft is looking to make wirelessly sharing files between devices easier than ever in Windows 10 April 2018 Update thanks to its new Near Share feature.

With Bluetooth and Near Share turned on (from the Action Center), you can quickly share documents and more by pressing the ‘Share’ button in apps (or in Windows Explorer) – which will then display nearby devices you can send the file to.

Focus Assist

With the Windows 10 April Update, Microsoft is taking ‘do not disturb’ to a new, and better, level with Focus Assist. This mode will allow you to shut off all notifications when you need to focus up and get stuff done. And, when you’re done with whatever you’re working on, Focus Assist will give you a detailed report with everything you missed while you were on a grind.

Quick Bluetooth pairing

Connecting your Windows 10-powered device to Bluetooth peripherals is also set to be much quicker and easier in Windows 10 April 2018 Update thanks to the new quick pair feature. When a device in pairing mode is within range of your Windows 10 device running the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, a notification will appear prompting you to pair it. Click on it, and it will be accessible to your Windows 10 device, without having to go into Settings.

At the moment this only works with Microsoft peripherals, but hopefully we’ll see devices from other manufacturers make use of it when Windows 10 April 2018 Update officially releases.

Edge improvements

The Edge web browser is also getting a hefty amount of updates with the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, as Microsoft continues to improve its software to compete with Chrome and Firefox.

A new-look menu grants you quick access to your bookmarks, history and other essential parts of the browser, and you can now quickly pin eBooks to the Start Menu when reading them in Edge.

Edge will also be better at automatically filling in forms with your information as well, making it easier to sign up for websites and the like. It will remember your payment card details as well (but not the security code on the back), making it easier to pay online. It’s good to see these new features, which Edge’s competitors have had for a while. Better late than never.

If you’re sick of websites blaring out sounds and music when you’re browsing, then the new ability to right-click on a tab and mute it will be a blessing, and InPrivate mode can now run certain extensions if you want it to.

Printing has also been improved thanks to the ‘Clutter Free’ option that removes the unnecessary text, images and more from pages when you print out websites, making them look nicer and saving on ink.

Edge will also get an updated look to match the Fluent Design theme of Windows 10.

Mixed Reality updates

We’ve also recently heard that Microsoft is adding a range of new features to its Mixed Reality platform with the Windows 10 April 2018 Update.

Heading up the list of improvements is a brand-new virtual environment for users to wander around. As well as the existing Cliff House, folks can now enjoy the Skyloft with its impressive city view (as opposed to the former’s ocean outlook). Think modern super-posh penthouse apartment, basically.

Other important changes have been implemented on the SteamVR front, including the introduction of haptic feedback for the motion controllers in SteamVR games. Also, general performance levels have been improved in these games, with Microsoft managing to tune things to use a ‘significantly lower’ amount of video RAM.

You’ll also be able to take screenshots in Mixed Reality apps easily with the controllers, and video performance in apps is improved as well.

These are all welcome additions that should make Mixed Reality even more competitive compared to the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. 

http://www.techradar.com/news/windows-10-april-2018-update-news-features-and-release-date

Since the Atari VCS was announced (and then known as the Ataribox), we’ve had a lot of questions about it. While many remain unanswered, the pre-sale date has been announced in a press release for the Atari VCS: It will go on sale May 30. 

Just how much is Atari expecting you to fork over for the new console? Well, you’ll be able to find the Atari VCS on sale at Indiegogo with packages starting at $199.

Packages? Plural? Atari has confirmed a few different packages, including an Atari VCS Collector’s Edition with a retro wood front and an Onyx version in all black. Atari will also have packages that bundle in a “Classic Joystick” or “Modern Controller” at what will likely be higher prices.

Now comes the bad news: Despite what has already been a long wait since the announcement of this product, orders aren’t expected to ship until Spring 2019.

Speak up before taking my money

Beyond the dates, new details on the Atari VCS remain sparse. 

The press release says the console will run on a custom but unspecified AMD processor with Radeon graphics. It will also support 4K, HDR, and 60fps content (note: this should not be confused for gaming at 60fps in 4K HDR). It will include expandable on-board storage, and support connectivity via dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and USB 3.0, all of which will be hooked into a proprietary version of Linux that has a custom Atari interface.

The Atari VCS will include access to 100 classic games in the Atari Vault, but whether it will be able to handle more current titles is up in the air. 

From out hands-on experience with the Atari VCS, it seems unlikely that the console will come close in performance to an Xbox One S or PS4 despite having a similar price. Think of this one as more of a collectors item than Atari’s attempt to re-enter the console market proper.

http://www.techradar.com/news/atari-vcs-retro-console-is-ready-for-your-money-but-wont-ship-until-2019

With a starting price of $999 / £999 / AU$1,579 the iPhone X is a phone you’ll want to keep protected more than any other, especially with the glass back and lack of bezels potentially making it more susceptible to damage than previous models.

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of ways to keep it safe, with dozens if not hundreds of cases already available, suiting just about every budget, style and need.

Below, you’ll find several recommendations that cover a wide range of budgets and style preferences. While some of these options are untested, they are each a cut above the rest due to their value and design, and are backed by positive consumer feedback.

Note: we’ve ranked these from cheapest to most expensive according to prices at time of writing.

Olixar Ultra-Thin Gel Case

This is one of the cheapest iPhone X cases on the market right now and it should protect your phone from the odd scratch. 

We don’t think it’ll be able to do much to protect your device if you drop it though and the gel material probably won’t feel as comfortable on your palms as the glass that’s on the back of the iPhone X.

TOZO Ultra Thin Hard Case

TOZO claims this is the world’s thinnest hard-shell case for the iPhone X and while we can’t be sure whether that’s true or not, it’s certainly very slim at just 0.35mm thick.

That makes it a great choice if you don’t want to add any bulk to your fancy new phone, especially given the low price of this case, which should make it all the more appealing if your bank balance is hurting after buying the iPhone X itself.

However, while it will offer some protection against scrapes, we’re not confident that a case this thin will do much to protect your phone from drops.

JETech Protective Case with Kickstand

With the JETech Protective Case you’re getting a lot of case for not very much money at all. It’s a black TPU case – so far so basic, but it has a carbon fiber design, giving it a bit of flair, and a textured frame for extra grip.

This JETech case also has a built-in metal kickstand, so you can prop your iPhone X up for hands-free viewing, while air cushion technology gives you more drop defense than you might expect.

Ultimately it’s a fairly plain case, and you can get more protection elsewhere, but it looks to strike a good balance between features and price.

Spigen Ultra Hybrid Case

Sometimes the simplest option is the best option, and the Spigen Ultra Hybrid iPhone X case is certainly simple.

It’s available in a range of colors, but they all include a transparent back, so you can see your iPhone X in full while keeping it protected.

It’s just a simple polycarbonate hard case, but it’s slim, has pronounced button covers so the buttons are easy to find and press, large cut-outs that can fit most cables, and it’s made from a non-slip material, so you’re less likely to drop your phone.

If you do still drop it though the case sports air cushioned corners, which should help keep your iPhone X in one piece.

ESR Marble Pattern Cover

Most of the options we’ve covered so far have been fairly plain, but the ESR Marble Pattern cover really stands out, with a marble design in black, blue, grey or white.

Beneath the surface it’s a thin and light TPU case, and there’s nothing clever going on here, so you’re only getting basic protection, but it includes a smooth, anti-scratch and anti-fingerprint finish, raised lips to protect the screen and camera, and a low price tag.

Spigen Neo Hybrid

The Spigen Neo Hybrid case offers a combination of hard and soft protection to keep you iPhone X safe from nicks and falls. And, it does all that with a slick design, combining grippy PU plastic with a herringbone pattern and hard PC with a metallic paint job. It offers design and protection both at an affordable price.

Totallee Thin iPhone X Case

This one may be one of the best looking cases we’ve seen for the iPhone X so far and the super thin design means the case shouldn’t make your phone much bulgier in your pocket.

It’s uncertain how protective that vertical camera cut-out will be, but here you’ll get the choice of a variety of colors including a bold blue and green. Those aren’t colors you can buy the new iPhone X in.

Tech21 Evo Tactical

Unlike the choice above, the Tech21 Evo Tactical won’t protect the screen of your iPhone X, but you can always buy a screen protector to ensure you don’t scratch up that 5.8-inch bezel-less display.

The design of this case should help protect it from drops too, plus you can also use wireless charging without having to peel the case off your phone.

X-Doria Defense Lux iPhone X Case

Combining style and protection, the X-Doria Defense Lux case has an anodized aluminum frame with built-in air pockets to absorb shock.

In fact, the case exceeds military drop test standards, so it should keep your iPhone X safer than most, but it also looks good, not just thanks to the aforementioned metal frame, but also because of the back, which comes in a choice of ballistic nylon, black leather, carbon fiber or wood.

That’s an interesting selection of materials, each of which will give the X-Doria Defense Lux case a quite different appearance to most other iPhone X covers.

Incipio Esquire Slim case

We get it, you don’t want to use a case. But if you’re tossing the idea around, you might want to try the Esquire Slim case, which is one of the most low-profile options we’ve found so far.

The fabric yields a very soft, cotton-like feel and slides into the pocket easily. It covers each of the iPhone X’s corners, but leaves the buttons exposed for ease of use. Despite its high-quality design, this one comes surprisingly cheap.

Urban Armor Gear Feather-Light Rugged Case

You might understandably want to put protection first when buying an iPhone X case, and if so the Urban Armor Gear Feather-Light Rugged Case should make for a good option.

It combines a hard outer shell with a soft, impact-resistant core, plus skid pads on the back, which add up to a case that can meet military drop test standards.

It also sports a visually striking – albeit rather rugged – design, and as the name suggests it’s surprisingly light, thanks to a honeycomb structure which also aids its drop protection.

Wireless charging and contactless payments also work through the case, so you’re not losing any functionality.

Incase Facet case

This case features a design that strikes a nice balance between a soft, silicon case and a hard case. 

Unlike other cases, this one doesn’t have button cutouts or pronounced areas, but they are noted for easy navigation. This results in a low-profile option that has a slick ripple design on its back and a felt material on the inside to prevent scratches.

Available in several colors, this one could be good for those who are looking for a rubbery-feeling case that isn’t too loud visually.

Moshi StealthCover for iPhone X

This case is slim once again, but it’s made of metal and has a magnetic clasp on the side to ensure your phone screen won’t easily get scratched up.

It also has a military-grade drop protection certificate, so you can be certain this case will protect your iPhone X the time you inevitably drop it.

OtterBox Statement Series Case for iPhone X

The OtterBox Statement Series Case at once wants to show your phone off and show itself off, as you can tell from the back, which is mostly transparent but has a large section of colored leather at the bottom.

This gives the case a far more distinctive, high-end look than your average transparent case, and being from OtterBox you can trust that it’s well-built. In fact, it’s passed over 24 tests lasting more than 238 hours to ensure it offers maximum protection.

iPhone X Leather Folio Case

This official Apple case is perhaps unsurprisingly one of the most expensive, but it goes some way to justifying the price tag, as it’s crafted from French leather, and unlike the Ullu case above it covers the front of the phone as well as the back, with a wallet-like design.

That means you get more protection and Apple’s also made use of the flap on the front by adding a couple of slots, which you can use to hold cash and cards.

The case will also wake your iPhone X up when you open it, and put it to sleep when closed, and it doesn’t prevent the phone from being wirelessly charged.

http://www.techradar.com/news/best-iphone-x-cases