Microsoft announces new Windows 11 experience: 1000+ Android apps to install, new notepad/media player, and more

On Tuesday, Microsoft released a preview of its Android-based app and other enhancements for Windows 11 users in the United States. According to Panos Panay, chief product officer for Windows + Devices, Windows 11 also introduces some new experiences, such as 1000+ Android apps that can be downloaded in the Windows 11 App Store (currently only in the US), a new Notepad for Windows 11 and media player and a new and improved taskbar.

Microsoft explained that the company plans to leverage Microsoft's service delivery mechanism to deliver new features to Windows 11 users on an annual feature update basis.

Android app preview on Windows 11

Back in October, Microsoft previewed Android apps running on Windows 11 in a build released to the Windows Insider program's Beta channel. The new announcement shows that U.S. users can currently get a preview of "more than 1,000 apps and games" in the Microsoft Store through the Amazon Appstore preview.

It is understood that the brand new Microsoft Store can accommodate all other app stores, so in this case, Microsoft has teamed up with Amazon to bring Android apps to Windows 11.

I believe everyone has a doubt: Why do Android applications work on Windows 11? Actually, this is due to the fact that Windows 11 has a component called "Android Windows Subsystem", which acts as a virtual machine to provide compatibility with the Android open source project framework used by applications.

According to information, Microsoft has "feature-specific" hardware requirements for apps that use the Windows Android Subsystem components, as follows:

"These apps based on the Android platform and Intel Bridge technology form a 'new category of mobile apps and games for Windows' as Intel Bridge technology allows Arm-only apps to run on AMD and Intel devices ".

Microsoft’s preview of the release also notes that Amazon’s App Store preview apps currently available for U.S. users in the Microsoft Store include “Audible, Kindle, Subway Surfers, Lords Mobile, Khan Academy Kids, and more.” In addition, Microsoft plans to announce an Android extension to Windows 11 "later this year."

New media player and notepad app

Currently, Windows 11 users can download Microsoft's new media player and Notepad apps from the Microsoft Store.

As part of the Windows Insider program, Microsoft previewed a new media player app that can be used to play music and video files on Windows 11 as early as last November. The new app may replace the famous Windows Media Player, of course, if Windows 11 users want to, they can still use Windows Media Player through Windows tools.

It is reported that the new media player app will also replace Microsoft's Groove Music app (if installed). Microsoft promises that existing Groove music libraries will be automatically migrated to the new media player app after installation.

The updated Notepad app looks "same" as the regular old Notepad, but adds a new "dark mode" for display. In addition, Microsoft has added several other new features, such as "multi-level undo (multi-level undo), colorful emoji emoji, and a modern and efficient find and replace experience."

Other Windows 11 Preview New Features

This time, Microsoft has added some new features to the Windows 11 taskbar, which is expected to be released this month through the "February 2022 non-security preview release".

As has always been the case, users had to opt-in to get previews of non-security patches from Microsoft, which arrived through the Windows Update service. This time, though, Panos Panay did not explain whether getting these new Windows 11 preview features is optional.

Also new in Windows 11: mute and unmute buttons on the operating system taskbar. It allows users running a large number of screens to respond quickly and appropriately during a Microsoft Teams online meeting. Microsoft has also added the ability to hover over online meeting items with the mouse cursor to make it easier for the displayed controls to share the taskbar screen. "Mute/unmute buttons and screen sharing are available to Microsoft Teams users with a work or school account," Microsoft said.

At the same time, Microsoft has also enhanced the Windows 11 weather widget in the left corner of the taskbar to facilitate the display of "latest" weather information. If the user clicks on the widget, the entire "widget board" will open and the experience will be upgraded.

Additionally, Microsoft has added the ability to display the clock on the taskbar on multiple monitors using Windows 11.

New Windows 11 feature update plan

For new Windows 11 features, Microsoft plans to have some changes at the time of release - "serving", which could mean the Windows Update service (used to deliver patches), and updates to the Microsoft Store as a release new action means of system function.

Therefore, Panos Panay, chief product officer of Windows and devices, also described Microsoft's approach to releasing new features for Windows 11:

"Over time, in addition to our annual updates, we will be releasing new Windows 11 features for end users more frequently. We will leverage existing various update mechanisms such as servicing and Microsoft Store updates. Our The goal is to keep innovating to give you the best experience throughout the year.

Windows 11 typically gets new features through "feature updates," which are new operating system versions that are updated annually. Microsoft also has a monthly security and high-quality patch release cycle, but so far it hasn't been used to deliver new OS features. "

Following the previously described monthly patch cycle, Microsoft typically previews its secure and high-quality software fixes in the third and fourth weeks of the month. But this time, Panos Panay did not clarify the question of "when the new Windows 11 features will be implemented under the new proposed scheme using Microsoft services", nor did he explain whether the new features are optional.

Finally, Panos Panay also said that Microsoft still plans to continue its Windows Insider program to "incubate new ideas" and try to "use different concepts in our features and services."