Since announcing Story Remix in the spring, Microsoft has been padding out its feature set. The company also rebranded its service under the existing Photos banner for Windows 10. 3D effects were added last month alongside 57 other new editing effects. Windows Insiders have been testing these new effects using the Skip Ahead feature. While the tool is for the Redstone 4 branch, Microsoft has since confirmed the 3D effects will debut with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. That is launching to users next week, but it seems the 3D effects for Story Remix will be limited in availability. Microsoft says it will make some effects available for free, but to have the full suite, users need to have an Office 365 subscription.
Indeed, the company will also limit availability of music and text styles behind the Office 365 paywall. Microsoft says all users can test the features, but will need the subscription to export them to a video. This means that most Windows 10 users will be without some important Story Remix features. Putting that into context, there are over 300 million Windows 10 users, but only 27 million Office 365 subscribers.
Story Remix
The new app allows Windows 10 users to create stories and memories by using photos and videos. This is possible through Microsoft Graph, allowing the new Photos experience automatically compile memories from media on a device. Of course, this is Microsoft taking the creative aspects now baked into Windows 10 further. Once content is created, completed memories can be shared via cinematic transitions, soundtracks, and videos. The app is loaded with features and Microsoft demoed how it is possible to integrate 3D creations into memories. Indeed, users can include 3D models and creations from Paint 3D into Story Remix.
