Windows 10 picture-in-picture feature is arriving in Creators Update

Microsoft has revealed that Windows 10 will get a picture-in-picture feature with the upcoming Creators Update, making it possible to keep a small window — a video player, perhaps — on the screen at all times while you use other applications. The feature was revealed yesterday when Microsoft detailed the Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 15031 for PC.

The feature is a welcomed one, and one that just arrived not too long ago on Apple's desktops via macOS Sierra. Microsoft's version of the feature will work largely the same way, allowing users to designate a particular window they want to always stay above everything else on the desktop. This eliminates the need to use third-party software or readjust application sizes so that everything is visible at the same time.

There are many uses for such a feature, including having a video chat stay visible on the screen while you browse the web or work, having a video always playing in the corner of the screen while you do other things, keeping Notepad on top of your research sources, and similar.

Microsoft calls this a Compact Overlay window, and says it works the same as any other window. Users will see updates to the Skype Preview app and the Movies & TV app to take advantage of this feature, and developers are no doubt encouraged to incorporate it into their own apps. Windows Insiders can check it out now, but everyone else will get access to it once the Creators Update rolls out in April.

SOURCE: Windows Blog