Windows 10/10X design aims for simplification and has integrated an adaptive experience to optimize user preference for streamlined daily use and productivity.
Privacy for Edge Users
Windows 10 ‘Version 20H2’ is the first to come with the redesigned Microsoft Edge browser installed by default. The browser is now built on Chromium, Google’s open-source foundation for the Chrome browser, which makes it compatible with more websites. By updating privacy features, Windows will automatically try to block websites from tracking user activity on numerous websites. To set up, go to Settings> Privacy and Services and choose from three ascending privacy options. The first is the Basic option – allowing most trackers access, second is Balanced (Recommended) – which will block trackers from sites that have not been visited and thirdly is Strict – blocking majority of trackers from all sites. To easily check privacy settings just click the lock icon appearing to the left of the search bar. If there is no lock icon in the search bar, this is an unprotected site, which could be problematic for the user in various ways.
Organized Data Collection
Another feature available to users is the Collections Option making it easier for users to save and store websites. There is icon that looks like an addition symbol ‘+’ in a box to the right of the search bar. Once in the Collection Panel, click Start New Collection and the user can rename this file for better organization. Users can add information: by clicking add current page, clicking and dragging text/ images and adding manual notes. When finished collecting data researchers can export their information to Word or Excel by clicking the three-dot share icon at the top of the collection.
Windows 10X Upgrade
Window’s 10X will be launched on new PCs and will begin shipping hardware later this year. The new 10X version has been built on top of a modern version of Window’s called “Windows Core OS”. This version has simplified its components by removing Legacy features that gives contemporary users new advantages and heightened security protocols. Microsoft has integrated modern technologies making Window’s 10X PCs compatible with Microsoft Edge, UWP and web apps. Window’s 10X will no longer support Legacy Win32 applications. Win32 application support will be available, later, these applications will run in a secure container by default. By containing the outdated Legacy applications Windows can provide better performance and battery life. Containment of Legacy Win32 applications also allows better security and stabilizes the OS, because they will not contribute to bit rot.
Redesigned Start Menu
Window’s 10X focuses on productivity with a redesigned Start Menu, which is centrally located in the middle of the screen. It features a system-wide search option that can also search the web. Below the search bar, displays a grid of installed applications that are viewed as live tiles, meaning you can move or uninstall at any time. Further, there is a ‘recent activities’ feature that updates with materials the user may want to have quick access to such as Docs, Spreadsheets, webpages etc. Having all these features in one place makes searching for relevant materials less daunting for the user.
Taskbar Features
‘News and Interests’ features are displayed in a widget format and will continually update throughout the day. The new feature is part of Microsoft’s Sun Valley effort, which reinvents the Windows UX with new features and designs. As the Taskbar is used each day the ‘News and Interests’ feature will gather user preferences by sending ‘Recommendations and/or Suggestions’. Built into the ‘News and Interest’ feature are over 4,500 global brands making the switch from work to news announcements a seamless transition. If the ‘News and Interest’ feature has no relevance the user has the option to simply turn it off by right clicking the Taskbar.
Microsoft Cloud’s Virtual Service
Microsoft is in the process of hosting more of its own first-party services. By reclaiming these first-party services, Microsoft can host all its Cloud services on a common infrastructure. Azure Chief Technology Officer Mark Russinovich, Microsoft says, “Most of Microsoft 365 services, including Teams, SharePoint Online and Office online, as well as Xbox Live services run primarily on Azure infrastructure today. Mailbox storage for Exchange Online and Outlook.com is also in the process of moving to standard Azure infrastructure.” When relocating these services into Azure, Microsoft users can build new products, remain compliant, utilize cross-cloud features like Microsoft Graph APIs, rapidly scale, display Azure concepts and save money. For more detailed information click here.
Windows 10X Dual-Screen OS
Windows 10X is designed exclusively for foldable and dual-screen hardware, and Microsoft has customized it as a result. Apps open by default on a single screen and you can drag them across the two displays with a mouse or touch to have them fully stretch and span across dual-screen devices. By dragging applications to the four corners of the dual screen the user can run four applications at once, between both screens. The new design also includes a ‘Wonder Bar’ feature to insert information from the clipboard, attach a GIF and more. There is some visual blockage when sharing both screens, the user will just need to toggle between views ‘Magazine or Book, etc.’ For more ways to customize Windows 10 click here.
windows 10 flickr photo by osde8info shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license
