The Record - Issue 21: Summer 2021

16 www. t e c h n o l o g y r e c o r d . c om MAR K E TWATCH Microsoft unveils Windows 11 New software aims to help users “create, learn, play, and connect in all new ways” M icrosoft unveiled its next- generation operating system – Windows 11 – at a virtual event on 24 June 2021. According to Panos Panay, chief product officer of Windows and devices at Microsoft, the new software aims to help users “create, learn, play, and connect in all new ways”. The new software – which will be available as a free update to existing Windows 10 users – offers a simplified design and user experience to “empower your productivity and inspire your creativity”, said Panay. As part of this, the ‘start’ button has been moved to the centre of the screen and uses the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show recent files accessed from a user’s various devices. Also new are Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops, which allow users to run multiple windows and place apps side by side. “The last 18 months drove new behaviour for how we create meaningful connections with people digitally,” said Panay. “Even as we start to return to more in-person interaction, we want to continue to make it easy for people to stay close with each other no matter where they are.” With this, Microsoft has integrated Chat from Microsoft Teams into the taskbar. “Now you can instantly connect through text, chat, voice or video with all of your personal contacts, anywhere, no matter the platform or device they’re on,” said Panay. Windows 11 has also been designed with gaming in mind. The new operating system uses some of Chat from Microsoft Teams is now integrated into the Windows 11 taskbar