Microsoft Windows 11 brings Android apps, new interface, Snap Layouts, and more

Microsoft has just previewed the next iteration of Windows, which is aptly called Windows 11. The company worked to simplify the user interface, improve performance and multitasking, and bring Android apps natively for the first time.

You'll be greeted first by one of the most significant changes, the Start menu and updated Star button are now at the center of the taskbar, which might remind you of macOS but also the now-cancelled Windows 10X. There are no longer Live Tiles. Instead, you get a launcher similar to Chrome OS or Android. You see apps, recent documents, and a search option. There are more rounded corners here, too, which we've seen on operating systems like Android and iOS. There's also more straightforward access to Microsoft 365 productivity apps, which will make it easier to continue working on files you've accessed on other devices.

When it comes to multitasking, Microsoft introduces Snap layouts, which come with suggestions on how to arrange the apps you're using. It gets even more helpful as Windows 11 will remember which apps you've grouped with Snap Groups. With this feature, you can quickly call up the apps you're using for a project with a single click. 

Microsoft takes that further by remembering what apps you have open for multiple monitors. It will remember the apps and their position on the display you're using, so when you reconnect to that, it retains the position. The company wants to take away that extra step of rearranging your apps when you switch screens.

The company also mentioned multi-desktop switching, which has been available on Windows 10.

For performance, Windows updates will reportedly be 40 percent smaller and more efficient. Plus, these will now run in the background, which means you won't get prompted to perform and update while you're in the middle of work or school.

Microsoft Teams is now also directly integrated into Windows 11, with the company showing it in the taskbar. It's another show of Microsoft moving away from Skype, which the company included in Windows 10. 

Microsoft develops the widgets it introduced in Windows 10 with Windows 11. The new Windows Widgets appear from the left-hand side with the option to make it full-screen. Some built-in widgets include a news feed, maps, and weather.

Touch and gestures are also better with Windows 11. So are inking and voice typing. For some pens, Windows 11 will also support haptic feedback.

Some other exciting additions include the universal mute button included in the system tray to mute your mic across all apps and the ability to tip local creators directly from Windows 11.

Xbox features are also coming to Windows. Auto HDR, which is available on the Xbox Series X / S, is coming to Windows 11. Of course, you'll need a compatible HDR monitor to run DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 games that support Auto HDR. 

Windows 11 will also get DirectStorage, but you will need the latest NVMe drives to speed up game load times. Developers will also need to enable this technology.

Xbox Game Pass is also coming to Windows 11 via the new Xbox app. Of course, it gets xCloud integration, too, so you can stream games.

Microsoft has revamped its store, which now also supports Android apps. The Microsoft Store now supports more apps usually not seen on the Windows app store, including Adobe Creative Suite and Android apps like Instagram and TikTok.

The caveat for the Android apps is that you'll get them through Amazon's app store. Microsoft partnered with Amazon and Intel to make this feature happen. Windows 11 uses Intel Bridge to make it possible to use Android apps alongside Windows apps. 

And perhaps as a jab against Apple, Microsoft said developers could use their own "commerce engines" without Microsoft taking a cut. "Windows has always stood for sovereignty for creators," says Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

Windows 11 doesn't have an official release date yet. But Microsoft promises it will be available as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users this holiday season.

Source: The Verge + Rappler