Touchpad gestures added to new Windows 10

Microsoft has uploaded the latest version of the Windows 10 technical preview, which now supports three-finger touchpad gestures.

Microsoft has uploaded the latest version of the Windows 10 technical preview, which now supports three-finger touchpad gestures.

The software giant has introduced touchpad gestures allowing users to show the desktop (three-finger swipe down) or switch between open apps (three-finger swipe left or right), among other functions.

Among other features, the new technical preview also brings minor improvements to the task bar and to the OneDrive cloud storage platform.

This test version of Windows 10 has been available for download since October 1. The new operating system will be compatible not only with the PC but with a wide range of other devices including Xbox consoles, smartphones, tablets and even connected appliances. Microsoft also plans to offer a unified, cross-device apps platform.

Windows 10 marks the return of the Start menu, which provides quick access to frequently used files and programs. The interface also includes a new area that users can customize with links to their favorite apps and websites. Another new feature is that Windows Store apps will now be opened in the same way as programs running on the desktop, meaning it will be possible to resize, move and collapse them using the upper navigation bar.

Microsoft has not announced the exact release date, but it is known that the final version of Windows 10 will not be available until spring 2015 at the earliest.