Preview program for Windows 10 apps on the table

Feb 12, 2018 09:17 GMT  ·  By
New versions of Windows 10 apps could soon be available without the need for Windows Insider builds
   New versions of Windows 10 apps could soon be available without the need for Windows Insider builds

Microsoft could soon allow users to install new versions of its core Windows 10 apps without the need for deploying new builds of the operating system as part of the Windows Insider program.

At this point, improvements that Microsoft rolls out for apps are first released to insiders running early versions of the next Windows 10 update. In the future, however, the company could launch a new program called Windows App Previews that would technically allow users to experiment with app updates early without necessarily being part of the original Windows Insider program.

In other words, Microsoft could launch another insider program just for apps, after the company did the same for the Office productivity suite.

Testing new features early

A report from Thurrott reveals that apps like Camera, Photos, Alarm and Clock, and even the Feedback Hub, are likely to be included in this new program.

“You’ll be one of the first to try out new features in the preview version of Camera, and your feedback will help shape the future of the app. Before you join, please review program details,” the message displayed to users looking into trying out early versions of the Camera app reads according to the cited source.

It’s not known at this point when Microsoft could launch the new Insider program, but since the release of the Redstone 4 update is just around the corner, it makes sense for the company to roll it out when work on the Redstone 5 update due in the fall kicks off as well.

With such a program, Microsoft could finally provide user with beta testing flight similar to those that are available in the Google Play Store on Android or on iPhone and iPad as part of Apple’s TestFlight.

Expect more information from Microsoft to be provided in the coming weeks, as work on Redstone 4 is reaching the final development stage.