The new (new) Microsoft is increasingly more pragmatic and takes fewer risks when it comes to user experience. It's the opposite of Windows 8, which while an exciting offshoot of Windows 7, not only wholly bombed but likely set Microsoft back years. While Windows 8 had earnest intentions, it was very likely too radical – and ahead of its time – to work in 2012. Windows 10 build 18970 began rolling out to Windows Insiders recently, with a significant but nuanced change. Microsoft is now improving the overall touch experience for the Windows 10 desktop experience. Oddly, the actual Tablet Mode function in Windows 10, though, remains unchanged. No more dedicated Tablet Mode?

If I had to guess (and this is an informed guess), Microsoft is planning to shelve Tablet Mode in Windows 10. In its place, the company will rely on what we see in Windows 10 build 18970, assuming A/B testing goes well. Best VPN providers 2020: Learn about ExpressVPN, NordVPN & more The move makes sense. In 2019 the tablet market is on decline for Windows and Android. Only Apple remains with the iPad, and even there, the company is quickly positioning iPad Pro as a Surface Pro-like experience, getting away from a "pure" tablet experience. With giant phones like the Note 10, iPhone XS Max, and Mate 20 X, the need for tablets is dropping like a rock. I can't even name any pure Windows 10 tablets that have come out in the last three years. In place of tablets, Windows 10 has 2-in-1s and convertibles, but even there the usage of these devices as pure tablets is likely low. Microsoft has the telemetry on usage for Tablet Mode and – like Start Menu – I'm confident in saying very few people take advantage of it, which does not warrant its continued development.