Microsoft publishes its Windows 10 Roadmap for business PCs

Windows 10 was launched in July 2015, and Microsoft kept adding new features, preparing its users for the Anniversary update that will arrive this summer. Recently, the company has released a roadmap of the features that are already available in public preview, or being tested. This roadmap is divided into two sections, but we’ll focus on the one for business users.

Some of the features that have been categorized as “available” include:

– Microsoft Passport and Windows Hello. The first feature will allow you to set up two-factor authentication and unlock your device using a PIN, while the other will support, beside fingerprint recognition, facial and iris recognition;

–  Conditional Access will make sure that unhealthy devices will be identified and IT departments will be able to prevent low-level malware from spreading;

– Device Guard will offer rigorous access controls, which will allow users to be one step ahead of malware;

– Credential Guard will protect the user access tokens that will be generated after users get authenticated;

– BitLocker will protect data in case the device will be stolen or lost;

– Windows Trusted Boot will work together with UEFI Secure Boot, and will make sure that the PC will start securely, by checking and allowing only trusted software to run during startup;

– Embedded Mode will designate a device as “a special-purpose device that is closely managed by a knowledgeable admin that can grant applications abilities not safe for store apps.”

– Customizable UI for IoT will deliver great experiences on small devices, no matter if they have or don’t have a display;

– Tablet Mode, allowing users to work on touchscreens;

– Start Menu and Live Tiles will remind you of Windows 7;

– Voice, pen, touch and gesture for a better interaction with the device;

– Continuum for Phone, which will turn it into a PC, by wirelessly connecting it to an accessory such as a monitor or keyboard;

– Cortana, the personal digital assistant which will set reminders and take voice commands, allowing you to dictate emails and to send them afterwards;

– Microsoft Edge, the new web browser with Cortana integration;

– Background Applications for IoT;

–  Remote Access, which will allow students and teachers to be connected to the school’s corporate network and work on applications or files offline.

Some of the features available “In Public Preview” are: Enterprise data protection, Multifactor authentication for apps and websites, Microsoft Edge – Extensions and Pinning tabs, while features “In Development” are:  Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, Enhancements to Microsoft Passport, Use your phone to unlock your Windows PC, Touch screen support, Laptop-like accessory support, Projecting on PCs, Microsoft Edge – Web Notifications, PC to PC casting, Windows Ink, Cortana and Action Center integration, Remote Display Experience, Start menu updates, Picture in Picture and Enhancements to Azure AD Join.