As of: 25.06.2021 02:18 a.m.
Microsoft has given a first look at the new Windows 11, which should come at the end of the year. At first sight it is not very revolutionary. And yet something new is groundbreaking.
From Marcus Schuler,
ARD studio Los Angeles
Microsoft wants to position itself with its new Windows 11 as an alternative to its competitors Apple and Google and their closed operating systems. That would not have been possible for the company ten years ago. Now the phrase “in the center” has a special meaning.
The proof: You only have to listen carefully to Microsoft boss Satya Nadella. “Windows 11 is modern. The focus is on the users. You can see that in the start menu, which is now centrally located.” In the center, i.e. in the lower picture bar, the new start menu is now in the middle. Similarities to Apple’s MacOs and Google’s Chrome OS are wanted here. Likewise the rounded corners. The design is more pleasing, airier, clearer.
On the surface, this is the biggest difference to Windows 10 for those who are hesitant to switch. And maybe the slightly revised sound logo at startup.
Microsoft opens up to the competition
However, it is much more worthwhile to take a look at Microsoft’s corporate strategy: Android apps can be installed in the new Windows 11. Actually, that’s competition. And not only that: Microsoft is integrating Amazon’s Android store. Satya Nadella smiles mischievously and says: “We have space for several app stores. We are open to others. We offer apps like teams, but we’re just as happy about apps like Zoom or Slack.”
While there are competition proceedings against Google and Apple, among other things because they seal off their operating systems and do not allow alternative app stores, Microsoft is open.
No revolution
The fact that the new Windows 11 gets good reviews is also due to the fact that it throws some annoying ballast from Windows 10 overboard. The bloated start menu, for example, says tech blogger Chris Titus.
I will definitely change from 10 to 11. The installation process is better. Of course, they’ll keep their spy tools like telemetry in there. That doesn’t bother me because I don’t have to learn anything new.
Windows 11 is not a revolution. It’s not a new operating system to dig into. Nevertheless, there are many small innovations under the hood. The icons in the file explorer are more diverse. There is a mute button to switch off the microphone centrally for all applications – practical during video conferences.
Download probably from the end of the year
Another new feature is that if you work with an external monitor on your notebook or have two screens connected to your desktop computer, the applications are opened again exactly where you arranged them before you switched off.
A first preview version for developers is to be published in the coming weeks. The update from Windows 10 to 11 will be free by the way. It should be released for download at the end of the year, probably before Christmas.