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Microsoft is Adding a Virtual Trackpad To Windows 10 (theverge.com)

Posted by msmash on from the windows-update dept.

Microsoft announced the availability of Windows 10 build 14965 to Windows Insiders. Among other noticeable inclusions, the new build comes with a virtual trackpad for users with a touch-capable Windows 10 machine. The Verge adds: Microsoft describes the feature as a way to control external monitors with a tablet and no mouse. It's designed to sit in the taskbar, if selected, and provide a virtual trackpad on the screen that can be used to control the mouse and right-click or left-click options. You can now enable a touchpad icon in the notification area, and you can tweak the trackpad gestures in the main Windows 10 settings panel. It's an interesting addition that will be welcomed by Windows 10 tablets users that aren't using a keyboard or trackpad, or those who connect tablets up to second displays regularly.Microsoft reporter Tom Warren has made a short video to demonstrate the feature.

15 comments

  1. Virtually?! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Like literally?!

  2. More like a tracking pad by TroII · · Score: 0

    They should call it a tracking pad, because you can bet they'll be spying on that, too.

    --
    "If there was a gay Afro-Puertorican Linux distribution, I'd give it a try" ~lucm
    1. Re:More like a tracking pad by Dunbal · · Score: 2

      Yep, it's not enough to spy just on your PC, we want to spy on all your other devices too.

      --
      Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
  3. surprising by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    I tried something like that about a decade ago on a 1st gen iPod touch, but to do it for a tablet/monitor setup actually makes sense.

  4. Probably steals your fingerprints by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Wouldn't at all be surprised. What's next in your Total Surveillance Package, MS? An 'authentication' device that steals your DNA, to put in a National database, and to sequence and sell to medical insurers so they can overcharge us even more based on diseases we 'may' get? Fuck you MS. GET OUT OF OUR COMPUTERS.

    1. Re:Probably steals your fingerprints by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Wouldn't at all be surprised. What's next in your Total Surveillance Package, MS? An 'authentication' device that steals your DNA, to put in a National database, and to sequence and sell to medical insurers so they can overcharge us even more based on diseases we 'may' get? Fuck you MS. GET OUT OF OUR COMPUTERS.

      Well no one forced you to get a malware-laden personal computer and you can always do something about it but most people won't. Yes the sheep have been effectively brainwashed. George Orwell was only out by a few years, after all, we all love "Big Brother". :-)

  5. Great Feature! by Oswald+McWeany · · Score: 1

    Great Feature! I expect a few dozen people around the world will use this.

    --
    "That's the way to do it" - Punch
  6. This is so big news by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Both users of a Windows 10 with touch screen device are so thrilled now. What will they invent next?

  7. the Toucmousepointer app already did this by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It's been around for years. http://www.lovesummertrue.com/touchmousepointer/en-us/
     

  8. Mee too ! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    yep had that same thing 10 years ago on my ipod touch 1g

    controlled my HTPC when i was watching movies and music

    i expect this to be at 10x better considersidering it is running locally on way better touch hardware

    -k

  9. Like it runs on HyperV instance? by gnuhost · · Score: 1

    Subjects are stupid

  10. Backwards? by chrish · · Score: 1

    I was hoping this would let me use my phone or a tablet as a touch pad for the Windows machine. This seems less usable than the touchscreen that it seems to require.

    --
    - chrish
  11. Full build announcement uri by hackwrench · · Score: 1

    feedback-hub:?tabid=3&cid=478cc685-833b-40d1-ae53-cf78c48d272d&UriSource=ShareContent

    But go figure a small feature get it's own article and make it on Slashdot. Microsoft keeps dropping the ball. I've seen two features already where they've declared the situation fixed when it's still broken. Feedback Hub goes unresponsive.