Last Updated on January 27, 2022 by Anu Joy
Panos Panay, Chief Product Officer of Windows + Devices, announced a host of updates for the Microsoft Windows 11. The major update will bring with it a public preview of Android apps, some improvements to the taskbar and a design overhaul for Notepad and Media Player apps next month. As this will be a public preview, these feature will still be in beta when it’s rolled out to everyone. Panay believes that the first big update to the Windows 11 signifies a “new era of the PC”.
Today, we’re excited to share that the upgrade offer to Windows 11 is beginning to enter its final phase of availability putting us ahead of our initial plan of mid-20221. Windows 11 is driving increased engagement with people spending 40% more time on their Windows 11 PC vs Windows 10.
Panos Panay, Chief Product Officer, Windows + Devices
Windows Insiders in the Beta and Dev channels have already been enjoying most of these updates, such as the Notepad, Start menu, Paint, and much more. Microsoft may tweak some features, but it’s more likely to appear in the Beta and Dev channels before a public rollout.
Android Apps on Windows 11
One of the most exciting features coming to Windows 11 will be support for Android Apps. However, don’t get your hopes too high, you will only be able to install apps from Amazon’s Appstore. It doesn’t include apps that we take for granted, such as YouTube, Netflix, and also sorely lacks Google Play Services. If you know your way around Linux commands, there’s a workaround to this.
However, getting Amazon’s Appstore on Windows 11 is surely a step in the right direction. We can keep our fingers crossed for Windows 11 to support Google Play some time in the future.
Taskbar Improvements and Redesigned Apps
A mute and unmute feature will grace the taskbar with the new update. The weather widget will also reappear on the taskbar. Furthermore, you can expect Microsoft to bring back the clock and date to the taskbars of secondary monitors. Currently, many resort to third-party apps such as ElevenClock to view the clock on multiple monitors. It is also reported that the company is working on improving the taskbar to bring back the drag and drop functionality.
The Notepad and Media Player apps will see a makeover with the introduction of dark modes. They will also go through some and design changes to match the Windows 11 aesthetic.
Have you switched over to Windows 11? Are you excited for the update? Let us know in the comments.
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