Microsoft unveils Windows 11 with an "all-new", productivity-focused UI

Microsoft has invited PC users "home" to Windows today (June 24, 2021) with the launch of the latest major upgrade for its flagship OS. The event, headlined by the OEM's best-known executives, Panos Panay included, mainly served to confirm earlier leaks about the main changes to this new version's appearance.

In other words, Windows 11 may initially confirm impressions of having risen from the ashes of the doomed 10X project, newly centered taskbar and all. However, Microsoft asserts that there is much more to the renewed experience than that, particularly for workers and creators.

For example, it has pioneered a new panel of widgets, accessible together with its "glass-sheet"-like background from anywhere on the desktop with a "curated" selection of the content, updates or facilities (e.g. a To-Do list) the user would benefit from the most at a glance.

Its new appearance, along with the rest of the new Windows 11 UI, has been meticulously chosen, refined and generally agonized over prior to inclusion in the update, according to Microsoft, at least.

The Redmond giant also ostensibly prizes productivity in this version, with new and adjustable split-screen options, task-driven desktop modes and improvements for all kinds of input, from voice to touch keyboards.

Therefore, the OEM asserts that Windows 11 is as ready for convertibles and 2-in-1s as it is for more conventional desktops and laptops. However, despite all this new detail, it was less specific as to when its official roll-out will begin.

To date, it is projected to kick off later in 2021, but will probably stretch out into 2022 before all eligible devices (which must meet requirements that include DirectX 12 compatibility) have access to an installation.

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