In build 2021, which took place last month, Microsoft didn't mention when the next generation of Windows will be launched. In her speech, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella revealed that he has been testing "next-generation Windows" in recent months.
"Soon, we'll be sharing one of the most important updates to Windows in the last decade."
▲ Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Image: onmsft
On June 2, Microsoft announced that it would release a new generation of Windows on the 24th of this month, and the software giant has begun sending invitations to the media. But the invitation seems to have another meaning.
The most conspicuous feature in the press conference invitation is a white window, which may be the logo of Windows 11. Light shines in from outside the window, forming a shadow of light on the ground with a vertical bar in the middle, which looks very much like the Arabic numeral "11".
Microsoft later released an animated version of the image, confirming the claim that "Microsoft deliberately removed the shadow of the window bar."
The timing of the press conference also seems to be hidden. The conference will be released at 11:00 EASTERN time on the 24th, which is not a common starting time for Windows and Surface conferences.
After the invitation was released, Microsoft executive Yusuf Mehdi said he was "not so excited about a new version of Windows since Windows 95."
▲ Windows 95, image from: yusuf mehdi
If Microsoft is really ready to push down Windows 10 and move to Windows 11, the most intuitive change should be the UI.
Microsoft announced last month that its operating system, Windows 10x, which was originally built for dual-screen devices, will no longer be available. It is said that Microsoft is currently bringing visual elements on Windows 10x to Windows. These include a new Start menu, system icons, and improvements to the file manager, and Microsoft plans to round up the built-in Windows applications.
Can we finally say goodbye to the Windows 95 series icons?
▲ Windows 95 series icon, picture from: the verge
In addition to the visual updates, the store improvements seem to be the focus of the new generation of Windows.
Microsoft is reportedly overhauling its Windows Store, even allowing developers to submit any Windows app, including Chrome and browsers like Firefox.
In the past, the Windows Store required developers to package their win32 apps as msix and use Microsoft's own update mechanism and commercial platform. In the new App Store, Microsoft will allow developers to submit standard exe or MSI packages to the store, and updates can be managed through the developer's own content delivery network (CDN).
▲ Image from: the verge
In addition, Microsoft seems to be ready to solve those "difficult diseases".
These include issues rearranging app icons on multiple monitors, the upcoming Xbox auto hdr feature, and improvements to Bluetooth audio.