Microsoft had revealed Windows 11 as its “next-generation” operating system, contrary to its backdated announcement in 2015 that Windows 10 would be the final version of the operating system.
Earlier in the month, the news of Windows 11 was hinted at but tagged as rumours, only to be announced on Thursday at a virtual event.
The new software will be made available as a free update for Windows 10 users except for devices with a minimum of 64 gigabytes of storage and 4 gigabytes of RAM.
Here are key specifications of Windows 11;
- Android apps are now enabled to run on Windows desktop.
- In correcting the notable slow updates, this is promised to undergo smaller and faster security updates which can happen in the background.
- Like Mac, multiple desktops can be configured for work, home and gaming.
- The “Start” button is no longer on the left-hand side but beautifully placed at the bottom centre of the screen.
- Features tighter integration with Microsoft’s communications platform teams.
- A subscription service offering hundreds of games which includes Xbox Games Pass.
According to Microsoft, an early preview version will be made available for app developers next week for review. Also, more profits from its app store will be shared with creators and developers in the coming weeks.
Speaking on the launch, Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella described it as a major milestone in the history of Windows. This statement is contrary to analyst Geoff Blaber from CCS Insight who opined that he does not consider it revolutionary.
“Windows 11 is an iterative release that pinpoints where Windows needs greater ambition, rather than introducing the sweeping changes seen with its predecessor,” he said.
“The end game for Microsoft is ensuring that the step up from Windows 10 to Windows 11 provides significant enough improvements to offset any complaints.”
However, Forrester’s principal analyst JP Gownder indicated that Windows 11 was created based on the code of Windows 10, which by no means should prevent upgrade glitches. “These user-friendly nods to the past are a double-edged sword, though,” he added.
“They’re great for continuity of experience, but they make you wonder what the 11 stands for. Is this more of an admittedly feature-rich Windows 10 update than a full-version release?”
Currently, with about 1.3 billion devices running Windows 10, the tech giant has announced the retirement of the software in 2025.
