Microsoft has introduced Windows 11: a new design, Android apps and much more
24/6/2021
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Microsoft’s next major PC update will be Windows 11. The company recently presented its new operating system via a livestream. It includes a new design, novel features as well as Android apps. Naturally, we also expect it to be better and faster, with some questions remaining unanswered for the time being.
Microsoft hasn’t yet revealed which requirements the hardware has to fulfil. But by the end of 2021, Windows 11 should be available on new PCs, and «eligible Windows 10 PCs» should be able to update for free. As part of the Windows Insider programme, an early build of the new operating system should be available to a larger group of people for testing as early as next week.
Centralisation, rounded corners, widgets and many desktops
The new design for Windows 11 had already been leaked in advance. Its centred taskbar and a start menu in the middle of the screen have been confirmed. This also applies to an updated Windows logo with rounded corners, as well as a generally airier design. In addition, there’s a whole host of new colours and dark mode. A blessing, if you ask me.
Even widgets are making their return. These being personalised feeds from different sources, customised by you. To put it casually, they provide all the information you’d usually check your smartphone for at a glance. From weather, sports scores and stocks to news.
Contrary to what my colleague Philipp Rüegg would like, Windows 11 won’t kill off the desktop. Instead, it’s multiplying. You can set up different desktops for various uses. This way, you’ll see other programs and a different background when working as opposed to gaming.
Faster than ever before!
Windows 11 has promised to make absolutely everything better and faster. A tall order. Yet in view of the quite differently equipped computers that should run the operating system, Microsoft shies away from providing exact details. We only know that Windows 11 should start up faster, Windows Hello should work quicker, and that Windows 11 will consume less energy – thus extending battery runtimes.
In addition, Windows updates should be 40 per cent smaller in future, on top of being loaded discreetly in the background. Finally, Windows 11 will be the most secure OS to date. Why? This hasn’t been explained yet.
Snap Groups, Teams now officially part of Windows
Snap is a feature with which you can fix two programs to one half of the screen each in Windows – or four of them to one quarter per app. Snap Groups extends this idea. Windows 11 offers a range of different layouts for displaying programs.
If you use Snap Groups from a notebook on an external monitor, Windows 11 will remember the open programs or groups when you disconnect. As soon as you plug the screen back in, they’ll return – hopefully not interfering with your notebook display in between.
Microsoft will integrate Teams directly into Windows 11. The chat and video call tool has thus gone from being a standalone program to an integral part of the operating system. This is evident, among other things, by the fact that you can chat and start video calls from the Taskbar icon popup, rather than having to switch to the program. Even muting or screen splitting will be possible directly via the taskbar in the future.
There are also some changes in usage. For example, when removing the keyboard on a 2-in-1 device such as a Surface Pro, the typing surface will remain unchanged. Speaking of keyboards, Microsoft has revised its Touch version. It’ll be smaller in Windows 11, and its functions are very reminiscent of smartphone keyboards. In addition, there are improved gesture controls and expanded support for input pens. And with voice recognition, you can dictate texts as well as give instructions. Aside from English, we don’t know which languages will be supported for the time being.
«It’s about apps»
The Microsoft Store has been completely overhauled. This is obviously noticeable in the design. However, the search function also should’ve been improved, leading you to desired programs, movies and series faster.
A small surprise, with big implications, is the announcement that Android apps – via Amazon’s App Store – are coming to the Microsoft Store. You can fully install and use them on Windows 11. This is particularly exciting for apps that were previously only usable on smartphones.
Microsoft has lured in developers with the assurance that many different file types can be sold through the store, and that they’ll keep 100 per cent of all revenue if they use their own billing tools. Competitors only retain 15 to 30 per cent.
Every PC becomes an Xbox
Windows 11 should also bring advantages for gaming. Thus, Auto-HDR is being ported from Xbox to PC in the operating system, with the aim of brightening up games. Microsoft also wants to shorten loading times with Direct Storage API. Additionally, the integration of Xbox Cloud Gaming makes the hardware on your computer less vital for gaming. Beyond subscription services, however, games can still be purchased in the Xbox app.
It’ll still be a few months before Windows 11 is finally installed on your computer. Microsoft hasn’t yet named a release date for its new operating system. We’re left with a cryptic «End of the Year.» Still, 11.11. would be the perfect day.
Update: Hardware requirements
In the meantime, minimum hardware requirements needed to run Windows 11 have been released.
When I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.