Windows 11 has been teased for a while, and it has finally arrived. The software has just been announced online, and here are a few things we have gathered so far.
Redesigned Start Menu
We have become accustomed to the Start menu being on the bottom side of the screen.
In Windows 11, the menu and button are placed in the mid-section of the task bar similar to macOS.
The Start menu no longer has live tiles; rather, it is more of an ordinary launcher that you would see in an Android device.
From the images and videos we have seen, the update does look pretty and snappy.
Teams Integration
The pandemic saw people use conferencing apps a lot. Teams, Microsoft solution to catching up with the Zoom craze, has been an instrumental part of its tools. Now, the software has been integrated with Windows 11. We are not sure if the company has been tuned it so it becomes less resource-intensive following months of complaints about its performance on entry-level devices.
Also, what happens to Skype now?
Window Widgets
Microsoft has also bundled widgets in Windows 11. They are personalized and generated via AI, so users do not need to actively place them. The widgets are accessed from the left-hand side of the OS, and they can be expanded to a full screen.
Improved Gestures on Tablets
This time around, MS says that Windows 11 will work seamlessly on tablets without any further adjustments. It has improved gesture controls, and event includes a customized keyboard that also features emojis and gifs. Stylus support has also been improved.
Support for Android Apps
Lastly, Windows 11 runs Android apps natively following a partnership with Intel and Amazon. The apps will accessed from Amazon App Store via the revamped Windows Store, and will run via the Intel Bridge.
Free Upgrade
Remember when Windows 7 users got a free upgrade to Windows 10? The same is happening this time around for all Windows 10 users.
You PC, however, has to meet the follow minimum hardware requirements:
- 64-bit CPU
- 4 GB RAM
- 64 GB storage
The update will be dispatched through Windows Update the same way Windows 10 was issued. Just remember that this time around, you need to have an MS account to upgrade.
