Mark August 2nd on your calendar, as you’ll be installing the Anniversary Update that morning. Microsoft recently revealed by mistake that the next major update of Windows 10 will roll out on August 2nd. Today, the company is officially announcing that the new operating system is in fact releasing on August 2, 2016 (that’s a Tuesday), and yes, it’s a free update.

While this is technically an update, it’s not your typical update you get every month. Microsoft has been working on the Anniversary Update for over six months, and it’ll bring a lot of changes, performance and reliability improvements, as well as a number of new features.

Windows 10 Anniversary Update features

Among the new features, you will see the new Windows Ink experience, which is basically a new handwriting experience using pen on Windows 10. With the Windows Ink Workstation, you’ll be able to take notes, sketch on a screenshot, or draw on a whiteboard. Smart Sticky Notes will connect with Cortana to create reminders, and on certain apps, such as Office apps will be able to take advantage of the new inking feature.

The operating system will also introduce new improvements on Cortana. You’ll be able to set picture reminders, and you’ll have the ability to share directions across devices. You even will be able to use the digital assistant above the Locks screen.

Notifications is also a big part of this update, as you will now be able to sync your phone notifications with your Windows 10 PC.

Microsoft Edge is also receiving many new improvements and features. Perhaps the most noticeable feature is the new support for extensions. Similar to Chrome and Firefox, you’ll be able to use extensions to enhance and add more functionality to the browser. According to the company, you’ll also be getting the most energy efficient web browser with this update.

The software giant is also adding new security features, such as Windows Hello for apps and websites, and new features on Windows Defender.

Xbox and PC gaming

Gaming is also a big part of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. With the new update, Microsoft is also bringing closer together Xbox and Windows 10 gaming.

Xbox Play Anywhere is a new program that allows you to buy a compatible game title and play it on your Windows 10 PC and Xbox One with shared progress and paying only once.

Cortana is also coming to Xbox One, which replaces the current voice commands on the game console. Now you’ll be able to start games, find friend, start a party, and accomplish simple tasks much faster.

Alongside with the news, Microsoft is also sharing some up to date information about the operating system. The company says that there are currently over 350 million devices running Windows 10, and customer engagement is the best ever, with more than 135 billion hours of use on Windows 10 since launch.

Are you ready to upgrade to the new version of Windows 10? Let us know in the comments below.

Update, July 6, 2017: Microsoft is planning to release the Windows 10 Anniversary Update for PCs, laptops, tablets, phones, and Xbox One at the same time.

Source Windows Blog