Windows 11 to bring floating Live Tiles-like widgets to Start menu (build 26212)
Microsoft is experimenting with a brand new Begin menu design for Home windows 11, including a facet panel to point out adaptive playing cards (fancy identify for widgets just like Home windows 10 Stay Tiles). The function is called “Companions,” and it has been noticed by user @thebookisclosed on X as a part of the Windows 11 build 26212 launch within the Canary Channel.
Begin menu Stay Tiles
The Begin menu Companions remains to be within the early levels, and it doesn’t work, however in accordance with the screenshots, the menu will probably be getting a floating facet panel that may present widgets from completely different apps. Additionally, customers will be capable to dock the panel on the proper or left facet.
After all, builders must combine this performance into their apps, and it is possible for you to to configure it from the “Begin” settings web page within the “Personalization” part of the Settings app. As well as, customers will be capable to customise every widget in a means just like the way it’s potential as we speak with the Widgets dashboard.
It’s essential to notice that these widgets will use the “Adaptive Cards” feature, which is easy for builders to code and makes use of JSON construction.
At first look, the panel resembles a miniature model of the Widgets dashboard, and it jogs my memory of the Stay Tile function for the Begin menu design on Home windows 10, which the corporate faraway from the working system with the discharge of Home windows 11. Nevertheless, since these widgets will show dynamic content material from purposes, it’s looks as if Microsoft is attempting to recreate the Stay Tile expertise.
Microsoft hasn’t formally introduced the function. As such, there isn’t a lot info apart from speculations on how this function will work.
Settings app with Copilot
As well as, Microsoft watcher @thebookisclosed has additionally found that the corporate is planning to combine Copilot into the Settings app.
When you received’t have a devoted button to entry the chatbot AI contained in the Settings app, everytime you use the search function, the drop-down will embody an “Ask Copilot in Home windows” choice to ship your question to the digital assistant. If Copilot understands the immediate and is aware of the best way to deal with the duty, it might even change the system settings for you mechanically.
Lock Display screen enhancements
As a part of the Lock Display screen enhancements, the Home windows 11 construct 26212 additionally changes the welcome greeting to “Welcome again!”
Share interface modifications
Lastly, construct 26212 additionally introduces varied modifications for the Share interface, together with the power to create QR codes for hyperlinks and cloud recordsdata when utilizing the function via Microsoft Edge. When you use Gmail and the account is related to Home windows 11, it is possible for you to to ship emails straight from the Share interface. Moreover, the Share interface will not shut when clicking outdoors the interface, that means you’ll now must click on the shut button to dismiss it.
This isn’t technically a brand new function because the firm already made it accessible with the discharge of construct 22635.3420.
What are your ideas concerning the Companions function for the Begin menu? Share your ideas within the feedback under.
