The leaks haven’t stopped Microsoft from teasing the upcoming
Windows 11 features. On its social media platform, the company
has again reminded fans of its upcoming Microsoft Event on June
24, with the latest teaser suggesting that Windows 11 features
new touch and gesture controls.
The previous two teasers were aimed at the sound and visuals of
Windows 11. The first teaser was a close-up shot of the model’s
ear, which can only mean that some new sounds will be
introduced. In fact, the leaked version of Windows 11 already
comes with a total rework of the Windows sounds.
The new teaser is only 9-second long, but it seems to confirm
the reports of new touch and gesture experience on Windows 11.
Set a reminder to experience what’s new, live, June 24th at
11 am ET 📅 https://t.co/r7D0GQnR4x
pic.twitter.com/UJrji0WxxB— Windows (@Windows)
June 23, 2021
In the teaser, the model is pressing her finger on the glass,
which points to the long-rumoured touch and new gesture
features, such as the rumoured “Wake on Touch” capability and
three-finger touchpad-like gesture for the tablet.
According to a document,
Microsoft is exploring support for additional touch-based
gestures, including three-finger trackpad-style gestures on
the touchscreen. Microsoft is also asking devs for feedback,
but it looks like the plan is to route these gestures to the
operating system directly.
This change will improve the overall gesture experience, but it
will impact the behaviour of apps using their own gestures.
Windows 11 predictions
While Windows 11 has already leaked online, we believe that
Microsoft could still have a few surprises in store.
For example, Microsoft has been internally testing new
inbox/native apps for Groove Music, Photos, Mail & Calendar and
Windows Store. According to reports, “Cherry Hill” is the
internal codename for the “broader UI overhaul”, which includes
the new Windows Store and Photos app.
As part of the project “Cherry Hill”, Microsoft
Store will get the same design revamp as the rest of the
operating system, which will begin rolling out this fall. The
redesigned Store will support a wide variety of apps, such as
UWP, PWA and Win32 app.
In addition to a new layout and animations, Microsoft Store
will be optimized for downloading large games and developers
will be allowed to publish their unpackaged Win32 apps to the
store directly.
Some of the new policies include support for the third-party
content delivery network. In other words, devs can soon host
apps in the store and update their apps using their own online
service instead of relying on Microsoft Store updates.
Remember that not everything has leaked online and Microsoft
could still have a few surprises in store. We can expect to be
wowed at 11 AM ET on June 24.
