14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just released an update to the Windows 10 Photos app that brings a bunch of visual improvements, including an effect that’s projected to become widely available in the upcoming Redstone 3 OS update due in September.
The Photos app, currently at version 17.428.10010.0, features a redesigned header that integrates the same blur effect that we’ve seen in other applications recently updated by Microsoft and prepared for the Windows 10 Redstone 3.
This visual update is part of a bigger overhaul called Project NEON, which brings several improvements to Windows 10 and Microsoft apps, including effects like blur and transparency, but also new animations that will soon become available for insiders.
Project NEON tested with insiders
Project NEON is supposed to provide Windows 10 with an eye-candy look without impacting performance and productivity, so most of the changes until now are only subtle and can barely be noticed simply because they just make sense.
Microsoft wants to try out all these improvements with help from insiders before rolling them out to everyone in the Redstone 3 update, so builds that are released as part of the Windows Insider program should soon bring more changes in this regard.
The company has recently confirmed that Redstone 3 would launch in September, but just like rumored a few months ago, visual improvements should become a priority as work on the update advances. The existing preview builds that are available for download include only minor refinements, such as the new header with transparency that’s released to users of Photos app, but bigger tweaks should make their way to preview builds in the coming months.
If you want to try out the new Photos app yourselves, simply launch the Windows Store and head over to the Downloads and updates section to install the latest version. The update is available on PCs for now, but it could soon make its way to phones as well.