Redpilled Microsoft does away with flashing icons on taskbar as Windows 11 hits Beta
- Reference: 1627920250
- News link: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2021/08/02/windows_11_beta/
- Source link:
There are three [1]Insider channels : Dev for the latest builds, Beta for builds tied to a specific upcoming release, described as "reliable", and Release Preview for supported builds just before general availability.
Windows 11 has been added in the Beta channel, though right now the Beta and Dev builds are the same, 22000.111.
[2]
Microsoft [3]noted that "if you are in the Dev Channel, now would be the right time to consider switching to the Beta Channel if you want to stay on more stabilized builds." Future Dev versions will have changes that will not show up in the first Windows 11 release.
[4]
[5]
There were a few new features in the new build, which came out at the end of last week. Perhaps the biggest was what happens when a running but unfocused or minimised application demands attention, such as when a new message arrives in a chat application. Technically the application might be calling [6]SetForegroundWindow , which in the bad old days of Windows might pop up over the application the user was working in, or make a specific FlashWindows API call. This flashed the application icon on the taskbar – but in Windows 11 the flashing will stop.
"We have updated this design so that it still grabs your attention but with a calming treatment that minimizes the impact of unwarranted distractions," Microsoft said. "The subtle flashing eventually stops, and you will see a slightly red backplate and red pill under the app icon continuing to note a background activity needs your attention."
[7]
The "pill" means a horizontal line under the icon. In our install, we did not see much flashing at all when Outlook tried to interrupt, just a fetching pink background and a small red line under its icon.
The red pill (and pink background) replaces flashing icons
There was not much else new for features in the build: a revised "hidden icons" flyout, a new settings shortcut in the Notification Center, new animations in the Microsoft Store and other minor tweaks. The list of fixes was longer, though there are still some "known issues" like "you might be unable to enter text when using Search from Start or the Taskbar." Lack of much new in this build may be evidence that the first release of Windows 11 is about done, fixes aside.
[8]Chromebooks fighting for mind share at PC makers with higher-margin Windows 11 machines in the lead, says IDC
[9]Are you a 1%er? Windows 11 turns up in the usage figures
[10]A bunch of apps will be able to bypass Microsoft's new store and use own update methods
[11]Windows 11 comes bearing THAAS, Trojan Horse as a service
Microsoft also gave more background on why Windows 11 is as it is. An [12]article called "Inside the new look and feel" explains some of the research that led to things like the redesigned (and neutered) Start menu.
"Windows users were given slips of paper to represent different operating system features and asked to arrange them in a way that they felt worked best," Microsoft said. The outcome was the discovery that people want to access their document, website or streaming content and then for Windows "to get out of the way." The team therefore set out to reduce clutter, and to reposition the Start menu in the center.
Microsoft said that "we've also rejuvenated Settings to keep pages from feeling overwhelming and make finding what you need easier." This was done with a "consistent navigation system," which sounds good, but also with "progressive disclosure, which allows advanced settings to remain hidden until you want to look at them."
However, it is not clear how hiding, for example, the important "Turn Windows features on and off" under Settings > Apps > Optional features > More Windows features would make it easier to find. The mitigation here is search, which does work so that if you type, for example, Telnet, a link to "Turn Windows features on or off" appears. One person's simplicity may be another's frustration if they cannot find the feature they need, or puzzlement over those that are missing.
[13]
It is apparent that Microsoft has set out to make Windows seem simpler, though most features are still there for those who look, or know what to type in the command window.
On the same theme, Microsoft program manger Craig Loewen has [14]introduced a simpler way to install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). "The process to set up WSL was previously too complicated, involving turning on multiple settings and installing multiple packages," he said. Previously, it was necessary to take steps like enabling the Virtual Machine Platform and the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature, before actually installing a distribution from the Microsoft Store. Now, "you can install everything you need to run WSL just by running wsl.exe –install," said Loewen. This ability is not only in Windows 11, but also backported to Windows 10 via an update.
Since the targets for WSL are developers and more technical users, it is unlikely that many have been put off by the steps to install. That said, simplifying WSL installation, combined with the coming ability to run GUI Linux applications, may help to extend the technology to a wider audience. ®
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[1] https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2020/06/15/introducing-windows-insider-channels/
[2] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_software/oses&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=2&c=2YQhrGoS4iJ2ZVLZAlfCWTQAAAMc&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D2%26raptor%3Dcondor%26pos%3Dtop%26test%3D0
[3] https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2021/07/22/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-22000-100/
[4] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_software/oses&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=4&c=44YQhrGoS4iJ2ZVLZAlfCWTQAAAMc&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D4%26raptor%3Dfalcon%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[5] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_software/oses&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=3&c=33YQhrGoS4iJ2ZVLZAlfCWTQAAAMc&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D3%26raptor%3Deagle%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[6] https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/api/winuser/nf-winuser-setforegroundwindow
[7] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_software/oses&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=4&c=44YQhrGoS4iJ2ZVLZAlfCWTQAAAMc&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D4%26raptor%3Dfalcon%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[8] https://www.theregister.com/2021/08/02/chromebook_vs_windows_11_pcs/
[9] https://www.theregister.com/2021/07/28/windows_11_adduplex/
[10] https://www.theregister.com/2021/07/27/microsoft_new_store_updates/
[11] https://www.theregister.com/2021/07/26/windows_11_comes_bearing_thaas/
[12] https://insider.windows.com/en-us/insidewindows11/article/inside-new-look
[13] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_software/oses&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=3&c=33YQhrGoS4iJ2ZVLZAlfCWTQAAAMc&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D3%26raptor%3Deagle%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[14] https://devblogs.microsoft.com/commandline/install-wsl-with-a-single-command-now-available-in-windows-10-version-2004-and-higher/
[15] https://whitepapers.theregister.com/
I wonder if Microsoft paid a penny to authors of some of open source projects they lifted for WSLg like FreeRDP... probably not.
" ... make finding what you need easier."
> Microsoft said that "we've also rejuvenated Settings to keep pages from feeling overwhelming and make finding what you need easier." This was done with a "consistent navigation system," which sounds good, but also with "progressive disclosure, which allows advanced settings to remain hidden until you want to look at them."
Really?
How about just leaving the fucking menus and control panels alone for a change, and making everything work better under the hood?
The constant drive to move things around and change the user interface in Windows, simply for the sake of change, is infuriating.
It's akin to moving the letters around on a keyboard to make them easier to hit (yes, I know, Dvorak, etc.). Millions upon millions of us have spent literally decades finding the obscure places Microsoft put the various Windows controls, only to find with each new version, they hide/move them to new and difficult to find places.
Re: " ... make finding what you need easier."
And you have to remember which £$king control panel to use to complete the task you want to complete.
Re: " ... make finding what you need easier."
I've played about with the new settings in 11 quite a bit and while the updated navigation was strange at first I quickly got used to it.
I have also not needed to resort to the old control panel or settings popups except once when the toggle was not working in the new one for RDP (and I hear a few others) and it was fixed in the dev release after it was reported.
Overall I approve of most of the UI cleanup though am very behind some of the requested chanhes such as not combining the calendar and notifications, adding an option to remove the reccomended section from start (and search until typing begins though that is much less intrusive), re-adding the option to never cobine taskbar items and make them smaller, increasing taskbar height for portrait display modes.
I'm even getting used to only being able to right click the start menu for task manager as there are so many other useful items there.
Finally.
The outcome was the discovery that people want to access their document, website or streaming content and then for Windows "to get out of the way."
Well, I'll be blowed.
How long has Windows been around? Thirty years or so if my memory serves me correctly, and they have just "discovered" that people want to do work with their PCs and want the OS to get out of the way!
What the bloody hell have they been thinking the OS was for? It's a tool, a means to an end and not the be all and end all.
Still better late than never, I suppose.
Luke 15:7
Re: Finally.
This is not a discovery, this is just the new batch of developers not having older mentors around to slap them behind the head when they try to make their code the center of attention.
Microsoft : you're making an Operating System. Get that [1]dictionary definition and engrave it on all your walls.
[1] https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/operating-system-OS
Re: Finally.
Windows 1.0 was released almost 36 years ago. 29 years since Windows 3.1 was released which was the first version that most people used. The computers at school had Windows 2 on them.
They used paper to choose the layout of the Start Menu?
What in the fuck?
Were these Windows Users they interview also in Pre-K?
Don't see how this reduces clutter. All the new Start Menu has done is increased it, since I have to pin a lot more to the task bar since it isn't as easy to access apps any longer.
Can you still hit the Windows Key and type the first few letters of the program you want to run?
If you can I still won't use it!
Click/Double-click an icon - much quicker and no need for the keyboard.
Another thing. Why don't we get details about these so called studies?
How many people were asked? What were their qualifications? (My 10 years in the business should have a lot more weight than my mother's who pretty much uses her computer to search the internet for arts and craft patterns) What did these piece of paper look like? How much time was given? What if there was a feature not on a piece of paper? Were they allowed to add it?
The more and more I think about it, the more it sounds like bullshit. The new Start Menu looks like they had an Android launcher sitting around not being used and some suit saw it and said make a new Windows version around that. That is why there is an 11.
They need to stop trying to be Apple. They need to stop trying to Linux as well. Be the boring app people. Embrace it.
"Windows users were given slips of paper"
In other news:-
Microsoft are beta testing a system whereby emails are sent by sticking a stamp on an envelope containing the message and posting in a nearby pillar box.
"The subtle flashing eventually stops"
I think it is colloquially referred to as the Death Rattle.
Another E-word to add to the MS lexicon.
This is complete crap
So when I'm concentrating on things, Skype can flash the taskbar icon and I'll still miss it for a bit.
This sort of useless trivial crap is going to not be seen at all. There's going to be a lot of people who'll be hearing "nope, didn't see your IM"
Re: This is complete crap
You can configure Skype to beep at you if you think it is extra-important.
But, does anyone actually use Skype anymore?
Re: This is complete crap
Does anybody work with sounds on?
Re: This is complete crap
Only on a new system, and only until I remember to turn them off. (Which is usually two and a half seconds after hearing the first beep.)
GOOD
It's about time. Tired of running registry hacks on every win10 build to disable that annoying shite.
Featuritis
This is just bikeshedding. Too many managers with no clue having to have their say.
These sort of tweaks should be user options, not concreted into the OS.
What do I care, though ? I use W7 and XP for legacy stuff, and have had no need for W10. W11 is even less interesting.
Nicely played on the screenshot there, Tim
[1]The red pill (and pink background) replaces flashing icons.
Very subtle.
I'm running the dev build on a laptop here, and I have spent a lot of time saying " WOT ?" to myself, generally followed by "...the hell?" / "...are they playing at?" / "...maniac decided that putting the start menu a random distance along the taskbar was a good idea?"
[1] https://regmedia.co.uk/2021/08/02/redpill.jpg
Re: Nicely played on the screenshot there, Tim
The next stage will be to rename it as "Launchpad" and have it present a full-screen grid of icons.
Re: Nicely played on the screenshot there, Tim
Ooh, you cynic.
Re: putting the start menu a random distance along the taskbar
It's called feature creep.
Re: putting the start menu a random distance along the taskbar
Who you calling a creep?
I rather like it
I just installed the beta on my underpowered Dell XPS, and it runs great despite the warning that the hardware is technically unsupported. I like having the Start menu, etc. in the middle of the taskbar instead of off to the side as it reduces mouse movement (the travel distance is a lot shorter to the middle of the screen vs. the far left corner). It also seems like there's been work towards making all the UI elements consistent, which is nice. That said, I dislike that Microsoft has decided to cram a bunch of useless crap onto the Start Menu (e.g. the Twitter app, which I would not install at gunpoint), and I share the complaint that the Start Menu should be organized in some logical fashion. Hopefully someone will see some sense on that point.
My prediction: the haters are gonna hate, like they always do, and the rest of the user base will quickly adapt.
Re: I rather like it
It's far faster to hit the bottom left corner though. You can throw your mouse at it and no matter how fast you're travelling you'll hit the corner. When something is positioned at an indeterminate point you have to slow down as you approach to hit it accurately. Doubly so when that point moves according to how many applications you have open - and heaven forbid something pops up while you're trying to click on the start button and pushes it aside. Being on the edge of the screen is faster than being in the middle, but still slower than being in the corner.
Re: I rather like it
Do you not see it as a problem that you need to adapt to a change? That there is no recourse given, or any adequately explained reason as to why?
Two things to make windows simpler....
......start again from scratch and remove all the legacy rubish. Remove all the non OS stuff like News, Xbox anything (thats is on the servers) and 3d anything.
.. Have they fixed the not-a-bug where moving a folder on a mapped network drive OR UNC path results in a multi-minute wait whilst the OS trolls the entire tree under that folder first? (granted, I'm pretty sure their test area doesn't have a folder with 30,000+ files and over 9000 folders in it taking up nearly 90 GB of space...)
I can spawn a command prompt, manually map the unc path, move the folder, un-map the drive letter and be on my way before the UI is even half-way finished doing whatever the hell it's doing.
(I am also curious as to what it's doing and WHY- if anything, it might make me shut up about it...)
I believe its being helpful and finding an estimated time to move the files even though if you are using a remotely new version of Windows as the file server it will be done server side and not client side. So its doing a vista file transfer, the calculation taking longer than the actual move.
Have they any clue what an Operating System is?
I've read a lot of breathless, exciting, stuff about Windows 11. Mostly about how the GUI has been tweaked. Nothing at all about internals -- filesystems, users and resources. So I'd guess its going to be yet another dog's breakfast.
WSL just seems to be a way of taking down Cygwin, to get users to distribute Linux-y Windows applications on WSL (which will, curiosuly enough, not be native Linux applications and they won't work on other distros). (For people who don't know this -- a lot of important development platforms that are distributed as Windows versions are really Cygwin. Windows is not able to handle complex development toolsets unless its for Windows platform targets.)
Fortunately, these days I'm out of the corporate "Use Windows" treadmill. Have fun, everyone.
Oh the lush irony
When Windows makes Linux's Year of the Desktop a reality :D
blue pill
Announces the order for Viagra has been dispatched and is on it's way
[wsl simple install] ability is not only in Windows 11, but also backported to Windows 10 via an update.
But will they backport WSLg too? Currently running the dev 11 as it's not available on anything else yet, but turns out is really quite useful.