Project Neon expands, many major Windows apps updated

After releasing the Creators Update to the public last month, Microsoft is now working on Redstone 3. So far, the company has released five builds from the Redstone 3 lab. However, since the Creators Update has just been launched, there are currently no significant new features introduced.

For those unfamiliar, Redstone 3 will utilize a design language known as NEON. This design language aims to completely revamp Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, offering features such as a blurred background, enhanced animations, and better integration of UI elements within the applications. Here’s an example of the Mail and Calendar app designed using NEON:

Microsoft would be revealing more about NEON in the build conference scheduled on the 10th of this month, but before that, Microsoft is rolling out apps using the same design language for Redstone 3 apps. First of all, Microsoft updated the Photos app a few days ago, then the people app, which was introduced in Redstone 3. Here are some of the screenshots(thanks to onmsft):

Now, Microsoft has updated multiple apps simultaneously, including Calculator, Microsoft Camera, Voice Recorder, and Paint 3D. These have also undergone a significant overhaul, as the NEON design language is used to develop them. The version number of the apps is the following:

Windows Calculator:10.1705.1221.0
Windows Camera:2017.308.90
Voice Recorder: 10.1705.1221.0
Paint 3D: 2.1704.26037.0

Upcoming Windows 10 builds will include an overhaul of the Start menu and other design elements. More details will be released on May 10th.