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Microsoft has officially unveiled Windows 11 with a completely new user interface, the ability to run Android apps from the Amazon App Store, and more.
Microsoft has now officially released Windows 11 presented. Since there are some Windows users among you, we'll summarize the most important things below. The company says that the Windows 11 redesign focuses on productivity, social, and entertainment features. The new design places the Start menu in the center of the dock, not unlike the approach of macOS. Other additions allow for easy multitasking. Live tiles have been removed in exchange for a simple app menu. When users open apps, the Start button moves to the left, allowing apps to be pinned to the bar. Animations, sounds, and design have been optimized for a smoother experience. Snap Assist has a new UI that appears when arranging windows in a grid.
Windows 11: Microsoft focuses on teams
Additionally, Microsoft has fully committed to Teams, so Skype is no longer pre-installed. The "Chat" app in the taskbar is powered by Teams and gives users the ability to chat with anyone on Windows. Users can also connect an iPhone or Android smartphone to their PC to have texts forwarded to the computer. In a conversation with Joanna Stern of the Wall Street Journal, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said he would like to see improved iPhone compatibility on Windows. Bringing iMessage or other services to Windows 11, however, is entirely up to Apple, Nadella said. Tablets have improved window controls and larger touch targets. Microsoft has also added new swipe gestures for minimizing and maximizing apps.
Microsoft pursues new store approach
The new widget view houses calendar, weather, news, and other important information for easy access. Users can customize this view and use it as a personalized news feed. Microsoft said it wants to encourage open commerce on its operating system. It will allow apps downloaded from the Windows Store to use independent commerce systems within the app. This is different from Apple's requirement to tie in-app purchases from App Store apps to Apple's commerce system. Amazon's Android app store will also be available on the Windows 11 platform. After users sign in with their Amazon account and install the Amazon Android app store from the Microsoft app store, Android apps will download and function as if they were Windows apps.
system requirements
Now let’s look at the system requirements:
- A “modern 64-bit processor”
- 1GHz clock rate
- 2 cores
- 64GB storage
- 4GB RAM
- UEFI, Secure Book capable & TPM 2.0
- DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
The system requirements state that a 64-bit processor is required, but that doesn't mean that 32-bit applications aren't supported. Windows 11 is still capable of running 32-bit applications. But the operating system itself doesn't run on 32-bit processors. Microsoft's TPM 2.0 requirement and other requirements limit processors to those shipped in the last six years. According to Microsoft, a beta phase will start soon. The final release is scheduled for this fall. Anyone who owns Windows 10 will be able to upgrade to Windows 11 for free as long as their computer meets the minimum requirements. Windows 7 and Windows 8 installations will not be eligible for the free update. (Image: Microsoft)
