Microsoft is working on a feature that will make Windows 10 more adept at using miniature video players. The company released the “Compact Overlay window” in a new test version of Windows 10. The feature was a part of Windows 10 Creators Update Build 15031, which arrived for Insiders on the Fast Ring yesterday.
The Compact Overlay allows users to continue watching a video while still working in an app. Microsoft says the feature allows users to keep watching video while composing an email, browsing the web, and carrying out other tasks.
In its Windows 10 preview build 15031 announcement, the company says the Compact Overlay feature is available to developers. Dev’s can use the feature to include in their own UWP app creations.
“When an app window enters compact overlay mode it’ll be shown above other windows so it won’t get blocked. The best part is that compact overlay windows work just like normal windows in all other ways so app developers can tailor the experience with what they already know. Updates to the Movies & TV app and Skype Preview app will take advantage of compact overlay windows in the near future!”
Windows 10 Creators Update Build 15031
Compact Overlay was not the only new feature introduced to Windows Insiders in Build 15031. Microsoft also launched Dynamic Lock for testing. This feature uses a smartphone Bluetooth connection to automatically lock a Windows 10 PC when the device is not in proximity.
This means users can simply carry their smartphone and allow the PC to lock itself. The company says Dynamic Lock takes 30 seconds to shut down the screen after a mobile is not found.
Microsoft also revealed a new Windows Game Bar, which now comes with full-screen support. The company says this improvement is based on customer feedback. With this latest release, Microsoft has added Game Bar support for 52 additional games in full-screen mode.
