With Microsoft rolling out the beta preview of the latest Windows 11 update over the next few weeks and months, here is everything you need to know.
By Santosh M
Despite Microsoft claiming that windows 10 would be their last version, yet six years after the official launch of windows 10 on July 29, 2015, it is back again with a massive overhaul change with its latest Windows 11 update. The new update comes with some interesting and important changes which will almost give a new user experience different from the previous versions.
Here are some of the key changes:
First is the overall changes in the User Interface (UI) and design layout, which is much smoother and cleaner. For instance, by default, the start menu is placed at the center of the taskbar instead of the usual left side, the icons are given a rounded corners for a more modern look, new startup sound, smoother transitions and animations, etc.
Apart from these, there’s also new customizable widgets with AI-generated personalized notifications and news for faster and easier access, snap layouts which is basically the windows version of android’s split-screen for opening multiple windows and multitasking simultaneously.
The second major feature is, the addition of Microsoft Teams, which is a preinstalled group chat software from Microsoft itself for faster and easier connection with friends, families, business partners, etc.
The third is for improved gaming experience with a new powerful tool like Auto-HDR for better colors and contrast, DirectStorage support from Xbox is also added for faster game loading and seamless transitions between windows and Xbox games, the built-in Game Pass for hundreds of different games for players to choose from, etc.
Lastly and perhaps the biggest update is the new Microsoft store with android apps support which basically means android apps will be compatible and can natively run in windows operating system. There will be no need for third-party software or platforms like Bluestacks (android emulator for pc) to run android apps in your windows. But there’s a catch, not every android apps will work because only the apps which are available in the Amazon Appstore can be downloaded through the Microsoft store. Having said that Amazon does offer a lot of big apps like TikTok, Zoom Cloud Meetings, Pinterest, etc.
Though the official global launch date is not confirmed yet, a website by the name of Usatoday claims that Microsoft will be launching the free upgrade (Yes free) in early of October this year. As for the beta preview, you can go to the official Microsoft website to download and test it. You can also check the minimum system requirement from their website or download PC Health Check app (Free) from the Microsoft store. With Windows 11 making change more towards touch control and swipe features like tablets and smartphones, What is your thought on it?
(The writer is a final year student of MA Mass Communication, Manipur University)