Windows 11? Or Is it?
As you might already hear, there is good news for Windows users: Microsoft has announced an upcoming event at which it will discuss the “next generation” of its widely praised operating system. The event is scheduled to start at 11 in the morning ET on June 24, and will reveal several changes to Windows and it may have something to do with Windows 11 release.
What we know about Windows 11?
The company’s chief product officer, Panos Panay, and Satya Nadella, the company’s CEO, will both speak. “We will share one of Windows’ most significant updates over the last decade to expand economic opportunities for developers and creators,” the chief product officer stated at a recent event. She’s been using it for months and is optimistic about Windows’ future. Our dedication to you is as follows: today, we’re expanding opportunities for all Windows developers and welcoming any creator looking for the most innovative, new, open platform for developing, distributing, and monetizing applications.”
Significant UI changes and a new Windows logo, are expected under the codename “Sun Valley.” Additionally, there will almost certainly be numerous visual enhancements; such as a new system icon, improvements to File Explorer, fixes for app icon rearrangement issues, improved Bluetooth audio support, improvements to the Windows foundations, and a new Xbox Auto HDR feature.
Additionally, Microsoft is suspending Windows 10X, its dual-screen and portable operating system. Now, some of the visual elements of that system will be incorporated into Windows 10.
Is Windows 10 the last version of Windows?
Once Windows 10 was announced, it was intended to be the operating system’s final version. Following that, we’d have Windows as a service, with the intention of allowing it to evolve over time. Indeed, I’m sure Terry Myerson was aware that a major design overhaul would be required at some point, and he envisioned it as a Windows 10 update.
However, here is the critical point. Everyone who predicted Windows 10 would be the final version of Windows is no longer employed there. Panos Panay, who is now in charge of Windows, is a bit of a showman.
Consider this as a rebrand, but one that occurs during a period of significant UX overhaul. It is the same Windows 10 that we’ve been and it could have been distributed via a Windows 10 update. The new brand is all about generating excitement around the concept of something new.
This is not the same as Windows 10X, which was only going to be available on new PCs. Windows 10X was also never going to sell in retail. No technical reason why we cannot install Windows 11 PC.
Microsoft will almost certainly continue to offer Windows as a service, so this upgrade should be free. However, do not anticipate this version of Windows to be confirmed as the final version. We’re likely to see Windows 12 in a few years. Now that a name no longer binds the Redmond company, it can simply resume its three-year Windows refresh cycle.
Windows 11 Features
Windows 11 release will be similar to Windows 10, according to leaks. It’s the same layout, but with a new spin.
Windows 10 will include widgets, a throwback to Windows Vista, as well as improved window snapping. This is excellent news for users with ultrawide displays who could benefit from additional options when squeezing multiple apps across their screen.
It also appears that Windows 11 will try to incorporate some Windows 10X design elements—a now-defunct version of Windows 10 designed to compete with Chrome OS—in Windows 11.
John Cable, director of Windows servicing and delivery, stated “Instead of releasing Windows 10X in 2021 as planned, we’re conducting exercises to accelerate the integration of critical 10X technology into various components of Windows and products across the company,”
Windows 10X introduced new application container technology, enhanced voice typing, and a more responsive touch keyboard.
Besides, we know very little else.
One clean interface
The fact that Windows 10 includes both a modern Settings menu and the traditional Control Panel six years after launch is an embarrassment. It’s a jumble of overlapping functionality, some of which looks as if you dragged straight from the 1990s.
Microsoft has enormous trouble letting go. It needs to completely abandon Windows 11 release and deliver unified, modern, and consistent user interfaces across the board.
x64 emulation for Windows on ARM
Remember Windows ARM, right? Windows 10 ARM-processor devices faced a lack of apps due to their limited 32-bit emulation support. These devices finally support 64-bit emulation with Windows 11. A feature tested with insiders for some time.
A big visual overhaul, with rounded corners
That’s the big thing Microsoft will show off at its event. Windows 11 differs visually from Windows 10. Because Windows 10 has had some subtle design changes over the years, it hasn’t got a whole new look like the kind of new look we typically get from a new Windows version.
Yes, rounded corners will be used. Since Windows 8, the operating system has emphasized sharp corners, and those squared-off tiles have made their way into Windows 10. Windows 11 will now suit more modern operating systems like iOS and Android.
Windows Sun Valley image
The operating system also has new, more colorful icons. You’ll find these in File Explorer, Device Manager, and elsewhere. These are available in Windows 10 previews, making a pretty big visual change alone.
It’s not a new look, though. Your interaction with the UI will be altered. A major focus here is creating Windows better for touch, something Windows 10 struggled with. Indeed, while Windows 8 was all-in touch, Windows 10 felt a bit too scaled back. Windows 11 supports more such swipe gestures, but more notably, it should be more consistent with what happens when you tap something.
None of this is official, but if you’re curious about the OS UI, check out the older Windows 10X leaks. When Microsoft stated that it was discontinuing Windows 10X to some of its features into Windows 11, the user experience was a major focus. One thing you should avoid is considering apps, as Windows 10X used the same Universal Windows Platform inbox apps as Windows 10.
When will Windows 11 be announced?
Microsoft sent invitations to a virtual event on June 24 at, you guessed it, 11 a.m. ET. If not for the “11” theme, it would have stated the event began at 8 a.m. PT.
The session will be live streamed and can be viewed here. Expect to see Microsoft’s head of Windows and devices, Panos Panay, take the stage and use the word “pumped” frequently. This is the first major event for Panay since taking full control of Windows, a promotion from his previous role as solely responsible for Surface devices.
Windows 11 price
Microsoft expected to pursue a similar pricing strategy with Windows 10. Previously, anyone who owned a PC running Windows 7 or 8 was eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10. For PC builders, the operating system would have to be purchased separately for $100. Although it has become relatively easy to purchase keys at discounted prices from other key distribution websites.
Microsoft appeared to recognize that the strength of Windows was its ubiquity. Getting everyone on board with the new OS was critical to the company’s overall business strategy. In essence, the more people who use Windows 10 as opposed to Windows 7 or 8 the better. That is why we believe Microsoft will make the transition to Windows 11 release as easy as possible.
