Microsoft focused on OneCore for first wave of Redstone, certain features are the casualty

Last week, Microsoft rolled out Windows 10 Insider Preview build 11099, but the new build, much like build 11082 before it, did not introduce any major interface changes or improvements. While Windows Insiders expected new features in these "Redstone" builds, Microsoft instead remains focused on structural improvements to OneCore, the new platform at the heart of Microsoft's "One Windows" vision.



However, a report by Brad Sams of Petri, citing unnamed sources, has revealed additional details on the company's recent decisions with the latest builds. In addition to focusing on OneCore, Microsoft has worked on "significant updates to the way the company internally compiles builds" in an effort to improve internal efficiency and productivity. These changes will enable the company to develop and deploy future builds more quickly, and developers will be able to identify and troubleshoot software glitches in a more timely manner.

As a result of these changes—and the aforementioned focus on OneCore—Microsoft may not be able to deliver all of the features that it intended to include in the first iteration of Redstone that is expected in June of this year. It is not yet known which features may be delayed, but any features that are not included in the first Redstone update are expected to appear in the second iteration of Redstone in October.

While the published report shines light on the company's development process, it was already reported over a week ago that Microsoft was focused on improving OneCore instead of delivering Redstone features, which explains their absence from the recent builds.

Microsoft has since finished working on the internal updates to its development process, and Sams suggests that Windows Insiders should see new features in the near future. However, Gabe Aul has stated that "it will still be a few builds before any really noticeable changes show up" because of Microsoft's commitment to improving OneCore.

Source: Petri