Windows 11 debuted last week as Microsoft’s next-generation operating system. The new Windows version brings a revamped interface and a list of changes from Windows 10, including a centrally aligned Start menu and new startup sounds. Windows 11 also brings improvements in multitasking and PC gaming. Furthermore, the latest Windows operating system comes with the updated Microsoft Store, which has many underlying changes, including access to Android apps. Windows 11 also includes new wallpapers, animation effects, and sounds for a fresh experience.
On this week’s episode of Gadget’s 360 podcast Orbital, video producer Shubham Raheja and I (Orbital producer Jagmeet Singh) discuss all Windows 11 with host Akhil Arora. The new Windows version has arrived almost six years after the release of Windows 10.
The interface changes on Windows 11 make it similar to Apple’s macOS and Google’s Chrome OS. You get rounded corners in menus and windows and updated widgets. But Microsoft has made some changes to give it its flavor as well. These include, for example, a Microsoft Teams integration and a brand-new search functionality.
Microsoft has also removed some of the clutter in previous Windows versions and removed features, including Cortana and Skype, that were part of Windows 10.
In addition to changes at the basic level, Windows 11 includes support for Android apps that come from the Amazon Appstore, which will be part of the Microsoft Store in the future. Microsoft has also partnered with Intel to bring its Intel Bridge runtime compiler to the new Windows version for natively running Android apps.
Windows 11 ARM Build works on OnePlus 6T, Mi 8, and more.
Users can also sideload APK files to install Android apps on Windows 11, but whether you need the command line to do this or install the app by just double-clicking the APK should be confirmed. At the same time, it seems that the apps available on Windows 11 will not be able to use Google Play Services, limiting the functionality of Android apps on Windows.
Specifically for gamers, Windows 11 has DirectX 12 Ultimate, Auto HDR (first introduced on Xbox Series S/X consoles, also from Microsoft), and direct storage. The latter offers faster loading times for high-end AAA game titles. In addition, gamers can access Xbox Game Pass directly from their Windows 11 PCs.
Microsoft Office gets a visual refresh, 64-bit ARM support for Windows 11
Microsoft has yet to clear the air on minimum hardware requirements and who would receive Windows 11 as a free upgrade. The company did say that the new Windows experience will be available as a software update to people who own some of the latest top-end laptops.
Initially, Microsoft offered the PC Health Check app to allow Windows 10 users to test whether their machines were compatible with the new operating system. However, it has temporarily removed that app to provide feedback. It has also not been confirmed that people on Windows 7 and 8 receive Windows 11 on their systems.
Windows 11 Insider Preview now available for download
We’re talking about all that confusion and a lot more about Windows 11 that you can check out in our discussion.
You can listen to the full Orbital episode on Windows 11 by hitting the play button on the Spotify player above. You can also follow the Gadgets 360 podcast on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Could you rate us and leave a review?
Our latest podcast episodes come every Friday, so tune in regularly.
