Last week at Build, the next generation of Windows was teased and Microsoft declared that it will officially reveal the new version of its operating system on June 24 at 11 AM East. The company has already begun with sending the invites to the media houses where it has been revealed that CEO Satya Nadella and chief product officer Panos Panay of Microsoft will be headlining the launch. After a break of close to six years, Microsoft is ready to uncover an all-new version of Windows. Windows 10 was unveiled last in the year 2015 and after that time, though some iterations came up, nothing major happened. But this year, Microsoft has promised to come up with “what’s next for Windows” on June 24, 2021.
In Microsoft’s Build 2021 developer conference aimed at talking about developers, CEO Satya Nadella affirmed that Microsoft is working on the next generation of Windows, which was beforehand teased by Panos Panay at an enterprise-focused Ignite event conducted by Microsoft. Nadella told the press that he’s been testing the new OS for the last few months. He also added, “We will create more opportunity for every Windows developer today and welcome every creator who is looking for the most innovative, new, open platform to build and distribute and monetize applications.” So it’s obvious to link this with the rumors of an updated Windows Store, which could make it seamless for developers to push their apps out to consumers. Owing to the plenty of leaks, people already know a lot about Microsoft’s next Windows 10 version.
But much more is unknown to the common folks. The tech giant Microsoft has officially confirmed a June 24 digital “What’s next for Windows” event where they will also be launching their Sun Valley Update. The press release has asked tech geeks as well as media houses to join for the Microsoft event scheduled to take place on June 24th at 11 AM sharp Eastern Time. Although we don’t know much about what the company will be announced during the event, there’s a suitable possibility that much of it will be about Windows 10 Sun Valley Update and Cloud PC streaming service. Some other products could also be discussed. Several sources have suggested that Windows could get a makeover. For example, the file and folder icons could get a new look.
In the month of January this year, the team of Microsoft was looking to hire a senior engineer to work with the Windows Core User Experience team so as to orchestrate as well as deliver a sweeping visual rejuvenation of Windows experiences. But Windows have not yet gained any substantial branding, logo, or software changes in some time, so that can also be liable for change. In fact, the teaser of the new version hints at a new logo for Windows as well as the Start Menu button. This new version of Microsoft Windows is commonly known as Sun Valley. Many reports say that it will mark the commencement of refreshed UI elements along with some other minor changes. The much-awaited update will primarily include a brand new Start Menu, animations, rounded corners, gestures, and much more.
Windows Central notifies us that this new Microsoft Windows version will bring a redesigned taskbar that may include pinned apps. Moreover, it will increase the system tray’s efficiency with touch screen devices. As a matter of fact, Microsoft can also restore its current app store in order to bring more apps and games and make it simpler to find them. So the developers might be able to present different types of applications, including browsers like Chrome and Firefox. Furthermore, some more features are to be introduced like a battery usage chart, news, better tab management on Microsoft’s Edge browser, and interests widget in the taskbar, all are expected in this new version of Windows. In the previous versions also, we have witnessed new floating designs for Start Menu, Action Center, Taskbar, and other such core components.
Besides, a brand new Outlook app for Windows 10 could also be found online which consists of features including improved icons, rounded corners, and Microsoft Edge WebView2. In March reports came that Windows Microsoft is also planning to bring the Auto HDR feature in the next version. This Auto HDR feature is only available in Xbox X and Xbox S series consoles for now, but it helps to improve the gaming experience drastically if used on a PC. Though the company last month declared officially that it won’t be launching its most ambitious and delayed Windows 10X project. It is basically an OS devised for dual-screen devices like the Surface Neo. In 2020, Microsoft shifted 10X focus to single-screen devices which had potential and strength, aiming to compete with Chrome OS. Later on, the company decided to implement everything that is developed and learned from Windows 10X technology into the new version of Windows 10 yet to come.
Satya Nadella also made a notable announcement saying that the new version of Windows 10 would be free for a year for everyone(and may even last longer for some users), which is a massive change from Microsoft’s previous strategy of charging for every new release. This idea encouraged users worldwide to shift from Windows 7 and 8 to Windows 10 which proves to be a more suitable operating system for developers who want to build modern apps. “Our promise to you is this: we will create more opportunity for every Windows developer today and welcome every creator who is looking for the most innovative, new, open platform to build and distribute and monetize applications. We look forward to sharing more very soon.” Nadella said in the conference.
Microsoft has also hinted that the upcoming generation of Windows could have a brand new chic design for app buttons, other elements, sliders, as well as ListView. So we may hope to see a completely changed look in Windows finally after six long years. When it comes to syncing devices, Apple’s macOS has always had an edge over Windows. Microsoft wants to change this notion and is probably working on domestic support for Android apps with the newest version of Windows. Speculations have been made that Android apps could be available to download through Microsoft Store. The Microsoft Store has always been quite a pickle for users all over the world.
But now, many reports are coming saying that an all-new Microsoft Store could come with the next generation of Windows to be released on June 24. But Microsoft still has a lot to work on. It clearly needs to improve Windows support for ARM devices, as its current system holds back flagship hardware like the Surface Pro X. Moreover, Apple has now moved its computers to ARM-based M1 chips, so it’s time for Microsoft to hit the bat and strike a six. Hopefully, the upcoming update will tackle these issues. All will be known on 24th June, at 11 AM Eastern Time.