Here is what Microsoft revealed about Windows 11 today

Windows 11 is the name of the next version of Windows. Microsoft unveiled the next version of Windows in a live event today.

Some of the features that Microsoft revealed today officially leaked earlier this month, but not all of them. A fast intro of the new Windows 11 mentions features such as the centered Start menu that is "cloud powered", new Microsoft Store, improved performance, better battery performance, a new appearance with rounded courses and translucent layers.

One of the biggest reveals of the entire show was that Android apps are coming to Windows 11. Meaning: Windows 11 users will soon be able to run dedicated apps, e.g. TikTok or Instagram, on Windows 11 devices.

Another important change is that Microsoft plans to make the built-in Store more popular by improving things for developers and allowing Win32 applications in the Store. The change will surely boost the Store, the available apps that are offered, and therefore developer and user perception of it.

Microsoft published the Windows 11 trailer on YouTube:

New Feature: Snap Groups

Snap Groups is one of the features that did not leak already. Windows 11 includes new layouts, called Snap Layouts, that go beyond the two windows side-by-side layout option that exists in Windows 10 and earlier versions.

You can display three windows side by side, or even more in different layouts. Snap Groups remembers these layouts, and gives users an option to go back to them.

Snap Groups are saved to the taskbar so that they can be reopened.

List of new and improved features in Windows 11

1. Snap Layouts -- to display windows using preset layouts on the screen.
2. Centered Start Menu with cloud integration.
3. Improved multi-monitor support. Set custom wallpapers for each virtual desktop.
4. Windows Widgets displays a personalized news feed and information. Can be resized and rearranged.
5. New appearance with new themes, rounded corners, translucent layers.
6. Background updates support. Updates said to be 40% smaller.
7. Microsoft Teams is integrated directly into Windows 11.
8. Windows in tablet mode improvements. Detaching the keyboard keeps the layout. In vertical mode, side-by-side layouts switch to vertical stacks.
9. Haptics added when using a stylus.
10. New touch keyboard with theming support.
11. Windows 11 will support Auto HDR, direct storage API, and DirectX 12 Ultimate.
12. Xbox Game Pass built into the Xbox app.
13. xCloud for cloud gaming integrated.
14. Microsoft Store will accept UWP, Win32 and PWA applications. Developers may use their own payment system to gain full control over sales (with Microsoft not getting a cut).
15. Android apps are coming to Windows 11.

Closing Words

An official development version of Windows 11 won't be released today. Microsoft is painting everything in the best light, third-party inspection will show whether everything will be as glorious as Microsoft made it look like today.

Android apps, support for Win32 apps, and more developer options when it comes to monetization, could give the Microsoft Store the break that it needs to become a popular option.

The usability options, snap layouts and groups, better multi-monitor and virtual desktops support, could improve usability significantly for some users.

As far as the focus on cloud integrations and background updates are concerned, it remains to be seen if these will be optional or not.

Now You: What is your favorite feature of the ones mentioned?

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