14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just released a new Windows 10 Mobile build for insiders enrolled in the fast ring, providing them with a set of Cortana improvements that bring PCs and phones in better sync.
Build 14356 is all about Cortana updates actually, but it also includes a long list of features confirming that Microsoft is indeed entering the final stages of Anniversary Update development and working hard to fix any bugs that might exist.
Phone notifications on your PC
But as far as new features are concerned, build 14356 finally makes it possible to get notifications from your phone to your PC.
“Cortana will now surface your phone notifications and critical alerts, including messages from messaging services, SMS or social media as well as missed calls from any Windows 10 phone or Android device to your PC, so you never miss a beat while staying focused on your PC,” Microsoft notes.
This is a feature that was announced earlier this year and that works not only on Windows 10 Mobile devices but also on Android phones thanks to Cortana. On Android, Cortana needs to be at least version 1.7.1, and it’s worth knowing that some features might not work correctly for some users on this platform, including replying from PCs. Some users spotted this in previous builds too, but only a bunch of them actually got to test this functionality.
Additionally, this build also includes options to send a photo from your phone to a PC, once again with Cortana support. All you have to do is ask Cortana “send this photo to my PC,” and the file transfer should start. This feature only works on Windows 10 Mobile devices, at least for now.
And last but not least, this build includes a new listening animation for Cortana on Windows 10 Mobile devices. When you tap the mic icon, Windows 10 now displays a new animation to confirm that the personal assistant is listening to your commands.
UPDATE: Learn what's new in Windows 10 Mobile build 14356 here.