While Windows 10 insiders are waiting for next preview build from the 19H1 development branch, the tech giant company Microsoft on Thursday gave a big surprise to the insiders and released first preview build from the 20H1 branch, skipping one complete feature branch.
Yes you heard it right! Microsoft released Windows 10 Insiders Preview Build 18836 from the 20H1 branch to the insiders who have already opted for Skip Ahead.
While 19H1 development is near to the finishing line and Microsoft is already preparing for RTM build to be release on April 2019, the insiders who have opted for Skip Ahead was eagerly waiting for a fresh new build from the next feature branch (19H2) for October 2019 feature update. But with a sudden surprise, Microsoft skipped that branch and directly jumped into 20H1 which is targeted for April 2020 release.
It's now giving immense meaning of "Skip Ahead" and jump one complete feature branch to grab more time for development and testing. In the official blog post, Microsoft stated:
Windows Insiders, today we are releasing a new build to Insiders who have opted into Skip Ahead. These builds are from the 20H1 development branch. Some things we are working on in 20H1 require a longer lead time.
Microsoft also mentioned that, they will be releasing 19H2 bits to Insiders later this spring once they are ready with the 19H1 RTM. That means, insiders in the Fast Ring still have to wait for few more weeks to get new builds from the next feature branch. Till that time, insiders in the Skip Ahead can enjoy more frequent builds from the next to next feature branch.
The Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 18836 from 20H1 includes only bug fixes and not loaded with any new features. But from the release notes it is clear that, Microsoft is planning for few cool features that may take longer time to finish development and testing. This way the build will get more hands to be tested and ready for final shipment. Are you already on the Skip Ahead?