14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft seems to be focusing a lot more on bringing Project NEON in Windows 10 apps now that development of Redstone 3 has started, so the pre-installed OS apps are one by one getting new visual tweaks.
Today, the Paint 3D app has received an update for users in the Fast ring, with transparency and blur effects among the highlights. These visual effects are part of Project NEON, an overhaul prepared for Windows 10 Redstone 3 and supposed to spread across all pre-installed apps.
In the case of the new Paint 3D app, the visual tweaks look similar to what we’ve seen in the past in other apps, but at this point, only the header and the left sidebar come with transparency, though we expect the full UI to be updated with these effects too before the release of Redstone 3.
The transparency that’s part of these apps lets you peek through the UI, though at this point setting the app off focus by putting it in the background instantly switches it to a solid background, most likely for performance optimization reasons.
Redstone 3 due in September
Microsoft is currently experimenting with all these visual improvements, but users in the production ring should see them in action with the release of the Redstone 3 update in September.
As development of Redstone 3 advances, more such tweaks are likely to make their way to Windows 10 builds, including new animations that will improve the overall experience with the OS.
As for Paint 3D, this is Microsoft’s new app that supports the push for 3D content started with the Windows 10 Creators Update.
The classic Paint app will remain available for a little longer, but the 3D version will be the one getting all the attention, with updates to be released regularly and including not only visual refreshes but also new features and options.