Windows 11 was a surprising move from Microsoft - many people thought there wouldn't be another major system update after Windows 10.
But a lot has changed since 2015, especially behind the scenes!
We now rely on technology for almost every aspect of our professional lives, from email events being automatically added on your calendar to hosting virtual meetings. Increasingly, we expect everything from our phone, laptop, smart speakers, and smart TV to be fully integrated as standard - and Microsoft seems to be catching on...
Microsoft's latest edition of Windows features a range of new system, integration, and accessibility updates:
- Perhaps the most noticeable change is the taskbar being moved to a central position - whilst this can be easily amended in your settings, this is a bold step away from the traditional Windows look.
- Bing Chat is now available in the search bar, creating easy and personalised follow-up questions to your initial search.
- Small, feature based updates now come in 'Moments'. Windows 11 is currently at Moment 3, with larger updates set to come annually.
- Eco mode allows you to prioritise your applications, so you don't slow performance or waste battery life on resource-intensive apps consuming too much CPU or GPU power running in the background.
- The Windows 11 Photo App now allows integration with iCloud Photos - surprise! This unexpected feature was announced in late 2022, and seems to be just the start of Microsoft's integration capabilities.
- Microsoft's Phone Link companion app now works with IOS, as well as other devices like Samsung, allowing you to have the best of both worlds no matter the devices you choose.
- Widgets are now available for Spotify and Meta - we hope there are more widgets to come from outside of the Microsoft family from our favourite apps and services!
- Live Captions can be generated for all Microsoft apps, and the range of languages and dialects available are constantly being explored by the Microsoft team, from Brazilian Portuguese to French Canadian!
- The all-new Surface Adaptive Kit and Adaptive Accessories increase the usability of traditional mouse and keyboard sets through tactile labels and opening supports?
- In a similar vein, Microsoft has vastly improved the On Screen Keyboard and range of gestures available for both personal and professional uses of Windows 11 devices.
- Snap Layouts are easier than ever to access - just hovering over the minimise and maximise buttons prompts six unique layouts, showing up to four windows at once.
Let us know if you are taking advantage of any of these new features, or what you are still waiting to see from Microsoft!
With new functionalities added throughout the year, what would you like to see next from Windows 11?
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