Microsoft to unveil new ‘Sun Valley’ Windows update: What to expect — GripEdze

Microsoft is currently working on a major Windows update later this year, possibly called Next Generation Windows 11. It will bring a refreshed design and new features that are supposed to improve customer workflow in 2021.

Although it still has a long way to go, the Windows 10 21H2 update, currently called “Sun Valley”, is shaping up to be a significant step forward for the operating system.

Microsoft has announced that it will host a “What’s Next for Windows” event on June 24, where we believe it will announce Sun Valley and unveil the next generation of Windows to the world. As we’re starting to get a feel for what to expect, here’s everything we know so far about the second major release of Windows 10, 2021.

What is it? Windows 10 21H2 “Sun Valley” is the second major update for Windows 10. 2021

When will it release? Windows 10 21H2 “Sun Valley” will be out on 06.24.21 at 11 a.m. EST

How much does it cost? Windows 10 21H2 ‘Sun Valley’ will be a free update for all users

The new event is scheduled for June 24 at 11:00 a.m. EST (8:30 pm IST). Microsoft also posted a tweet through its Windows Twitter account saying the event will highlight anything that happens to Windows. An image attached to the event invitation suggests that the Windows logo may also undergo minor changes. Users can visit the Events page and schedule reminders for Microsoft disclosures.

In the Build 2021 opening speech, Nadella said that the next-generation Windows update will be the most significant of the past decade. Nadella said, “ Soon we’ll be sharing one of the most important Windows updates of the past decade to unlock greater economic opportunities for developers and creators and I’m incredibly excited about the next generation of Windows. “

At this point, there’s no confirmed name from Microsoft. Based on the Windows 10 Update naming convention, however, it’s safe to assume that its official designation will be Windows 10 21H2. “21” refers to the year and “H2” refers to the second semester. With Windows 10 21H1 confirmed for the first half of 2021, there is no reason not to believe Microsoft is continuing the trend.

The name that is being launched right now is “Sun Valley” which will hardly be its release name. This is an internal code name for parts of the next version of Windows 10 in development that has been revealed to the public.

A big UI refresh

One of Microsoft’s goals with Sun Valley is to refresh the Windows user interface a bit. This includes rounded corners of buttons, application windows, and shell items such as the Start menu and Action Center, which are the legacy interfaces such as File Explorer, File Properties, and the dialog box. The Copy dialog is more compatible with the modern Windows interface and cleans up some parts of the operating system. , to create a leaner user experience that meets today’s more modern workflows.

Microsoft is working on an updated taskbar that will have a targeted design for pinned / running apps. The taskbar is also a bit long, and Microsoft also plans to clean up the system tray and make it easier to use with touch. Microsoft goes to great lengths to complement the “sharp” elements of the Windows user interface, such as the corners around the Start menu, context menus, shortcut lists, and buttons. Internally, Microsoft has described the effort as a “ reinvigorating “ of the Windows desktop. Externally, Microsoft announced last year that it might “ reinvesting “ in Windows 10 by 2021.

In addition to complementing the existing Start menu design, Microsoft is also working on a brand new Start menu layout that will be unique to Sun Valley.

This new Start menu will have a centered design with a grid of apps, Recent Documents and your username/icon, shutdown options, and File Explorer shortcuts at the bottom. It also has an “All Apps” button in the top right that takes you to a separate app list page.

Most built-in apps, including the Windows Settings app, would also benefit from a design refresh. We’ve seen Alarm and Clock updated with a new design before, and the other built-in apps will follow the same path and be updated using WinUI’s new design tools.

New OS features

In addition to user interface updates, Microsoft also plans to introduce new features to the Windows user experience that will improve user productivity in their workflow. We’ve already seen a few new features, including the new “News & Interests” widget in the taskbar, but there are plenty more to come.

Microsoft plans to add a new battery usage chart to the Settings app that will determine which apps were using the most power in a given hour and tools to keep your battery from draining over time.

There’s also a new feature that will let you detach Microsoft Edge tabs from app windows in the snap assist view, making it easier to organize, find, and capture the content you want. This will be useful for people who have multiple tabs and apps open at the same time and can’t remember which tab is open in which browser window.

Microsoft is in the process of creating a new “Dashboard” feature that can reside in the Tasks View area, which will give you an overview of everything happening with your Microsoft account, including upcoming calendar events, recent documents in Office, email, to-do items, and other news and interests related to your network.

There’s also a new “Widgets” panel that will include MSN news, as well as the latest weather information, sports rankings, and many more.

For tablets, Microsoft is engaged on a brand new “gesture layer” that sits on top of the user interface and allows touch users to use gestures to control application windows and system navigation. Similar to the trackpad gestures found on Windows 10 today, but using the touchscreen instead.

Tell us what you think

So that’s all I know about the Sun Valley version of Windows so far. A lot has been planned, and if Microsoft is able to deliver what it hopes for, this could be one of the most important Windows feature updates of all time.

What are your thoughts? Tell us in the comments.

You can also check my blog: WhatsApp Launches Fast Playback Feature For Audio Messages

Originally published at https://gripedze.com on June 5, 2021.