14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is introducing a new lock screen in Windows 10 that allows users not only to see the latest emails or calendar notifications but also to get suggestions and recommendations in the form of ads that are displayed on the screen at random times.
Called Windows Spotlight, this new feature was demoed by Joe Belfiore at the BUILD 2015 developer conference in late April and turns the lock screen into an interactive tool that would provide app suggestions and hints on how to use specific Windows features if you never access them.
As Belfiore explained at BUILD, Windows Spotlight is supposed to help you make the most of the operating system, so it keeps track of your activity on the device and displays tips and instructions on how to use specific features.
For example, if you never use Cortana on your PC, Windows Spotlight can automatically replace your lock screen background with one showing the personal assistant, with a small notification to be displayed in the right upper corner to enable you to access its features and settings with a click.
If you do click that notification, the system is automatically unlocked and Cortana is launched on the desktop to assist you as you discover its features.
App recommendations on the lock screen
At the same time, Windows Spotlight will also display app recommendations on the lock screen, based on the way you interact with your device. For instance, if you have a 2-in-1 device and never use its pen, Windows Spotlight could show an ad for Fresh Paint, Microsoft’s dedicated drawing app that’s available free of charge in Windows 10.
The good news is that Windows Spotlight is entirely optional, so if you don’t want your work to be monitored and to get app recommendations and suggestions on the lock screen, you can always turn it off easily.
An option integrated in the latest leaked Windows 10 builds allows you to do that, but it'll be interesting to see how Microsoft promotes this setting if the feature is turned on by default.
Microsoft hasn’t said whether this feature would be turned on or off by default, but it’s still in development right now and its configuration could change until Windows 10 goes live.
