[avatar user=”Anthony Ogbonna” /]
Tech giant, Microsoft has unveiled Windows 11, a new operating system that can run phone Android Applications.
The new windows is coming nearly six years after the Windows 10 was released.
Microsoft unveiled the “next generation OS” at a virtual event on Thursday, 24th June, 2021.
Microsoft’s Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Satya Nadella, while unveiling the Windows 11, said, “With Windows 11, we have a renewed sense of Windows’ role in the world.”
Windows 11, revealed Satya, comes with a number of features that seem to close the flexibility gap which other rival groups like Apple iOS that only works on iPhones, Macs, iPads, etc and Google’s Android that work on android devices lack.
Satya said that Windows 11, which has features like Apple Macs, combines the strengths from the various groups to become a unifying product that serves everyone.
“Today, the world needs a more open platform, one that allows apps to become a platform in their own right. Windows is a platform where things that are bigger than Windows can be born, like the web.”
Microsoft said “Windows 11 provides a calm and creative space where you can pursue your passions through a fresh experience.
ALSO READ: Sustainable Upskilling Of Nigerian Youths Pivotal To Ensuring Employability – Microsoft
“From a rejuvenated Start menu to new ways to connect to your favourite people, news, games, and content—Windows 11 is the place to think, express, and create in a natural way.”
What you need to know:
The new Windows allows users to easily run phone android applications on their Windows computers.
The company also said that Windows 11 will let users configure multiple desktops for work, home, and gaming, like on a Mac. It said users can “multi-task with ease with tools like Snap layouts, Desktops, and a new more-intuitive redocking experience.”
The software giant noted that there is already a Microsoft Teams app for Mac, iPhones and Androids.
Microsoft unveils Windows 11
“Windows 11-ready PCs” would be sold by companies even before launch, said Microsoft.
While explaining the new operating system, Microsoft said, it gives “a new Windows experience, bringing you closer to the people and things you love.”
The tech company, however, revealed that the Windows 11 will only be available “as a free update to existing Windows 10 users.”
It said the “Windows 11 will be available through a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs and on new PCs beginning this holiday.” So, users of Windows 10 can download the Windows 11 software for free.
Features of the Windows 11 and updates:
.Start button: The new Windows 11 comes with the usual custom “Start” button positioned at the bottom-centre of the screen instead of the usual left-hand side.
“We put Start at the center and made it easier to quickly find what you need. Start utilizes the power of the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show you your recent files no matter what platform or device you were viewing them on earlier, even if it was on an Android or iOS device,” said Microsoft.
Modern design:
Microsoft also made the Windows 11 cleaner, modern and beautiful to inspire creativity and productivity.
It said “We’ve simplified the design and user experience to empower your productivity and inspire your creativity.
“It’s modern, fresh, clean and beautiful. From the new Start button and taskbar to each sound, font and icon, everything was done intentionally to put you in control and bring a sense of calm and ease.”
Android apps integrated:
Microsoft has integrated android application capabilities into the new Windows 11. Users can install their preferred Apps from Microsoft Store, via the Amazon Appstore.
Microsoft Teams introduced:
The new OS comes with Microsoft’s communications platform, Teams pre-installed. According to Microsoft, the Teams, built into Windows 11 Taskbar, will allow users “connect instantly to the people you care about right from your desktop with Microsoft Teams.
“Call or chat for free—no matter what device they’re on.” So, you don’t have to download Teams again if you have the new software.
Xbox:
Microsoft has said that the new operating system makes users’ devices to be like Xbox features like “Auto HDR,” which uses computer intelligence to enhance the visuals in a video game.
According to the company, “Windows 11 takes gaming to a whole new level with graphic capabilities that rival reality. Discover your next favourite game with Xbox Game Pass, giving you access to over 100 high-quality games (membership sold separately).”
All-new Microsoft Apps Store:
Microsoft has also introduced its Apps Store where applications for music, games and other uses can be downloaded.
It said its users can download leading and third-party applications like Visual Studio, Disney+, Adobe Creative Cloud, Zoom and Canva.
“The new Microsoft Store is your single trusted location for apps and content to watch, create, play, work and learn.
“It’s been rebuilt for speed and with an all-new design that is beautiful and simple to use. Not only will we bring you more apps than ever before, we’re also making all content – apps, games, shows, movies – easier to search for and discover with curated stories and collections.
“We’re excited to soon be welcoming leading first and third-party apps like Microsoft Teams, Visual Studio, Disney+, Adobe Creative Cloud, Zoom and Canva to the Microsoft Store – all offering incredible”
Widgets:
The Windows 11 comes with freer access to widgets. With the new OS, users can now access widgets directly from the Taskbar and personalize them to their taste.
Features to organise work:
Windows 11 comes with features called Snap Groups and Snap Layouts, which allow users to arrange their frequently used apps on their systems’ taskbars and then easily plug to monitor or laptop seamlessly.
Explaining these features, Microsoft said, “New in Windows 11, we’re introducing Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops to provide an even more powerful way to multitask and stay on top of what you need to get done.
“These are new features” it said, are “designed to help you organize your windows and optimize your screen real estate so you can see what you need just the way you want in a layout that’s visually clean.
Microsoft also said that, “You can also create separate Desktops for each part of your life and customize them to your liking – imagine having a Desktop for work, gaming or school.”
What you must take note of:
. While Microsoft said Windows 11 will be available to the public to download as public beta in July.
. When to buy Windows 11:
. It also said that it will roll out the software officially for everyone likely in September.
“The new Windows is available on the widest array of devices, from our partners who are bringing you the latest innovations in touch, pen, and voice, making it easy to find the best, most affordable device for you,” said Microsoft.
Minimum System requirements for Windows 11:
Microsoft said the new windows is not compatible with every system. While only users with devices running Windows 10 can enjoy the new OS, the devices must have a minimum specification of 64 gigabytes of storage and 4 gigabytes of RAM.
How-To Geek explained the system requirements are follows:
- Processor:1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor. (Microsoft provides a list of compatible processors on its website).
- RAM:4 gigabytes or more
- Storage:64 GB or larger storage device (such as a hard drive or SSD)
- System Firmware:UEFI and Secure Boot capable
- TPM:Trusted Platform Module0 (common on motherboards manufactured after 2016)
- Graphics Card:Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
- Display:An HD display at least 720p (1280×720) resolution larger than 9″ diagonal, 8-bits per color channel
- Internet Connection and Microsoft Accounts:Windows 11 Home edition requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account to set up the device on first use. Switching a device out of Windows 11 S mode also requires an internet connection.
How to know if your system can run Windows 11:
Microsoft told users to “Use the PC Health Check app to see if your current PC meets the requirements to run Windows 11. If so, you can get a free upgrade when it rolls out.
How to download Windows 11 when its released:
Users can download Windows 11 the same way previous versions were downloaded. Just go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and clicking Check for Updates. If available, you’ll see Feature update to Windows 11. Click Download and install.
and then