Microsoft revealed this week new Surface computers and then hosted Ignite’s annual conference. It is primarily intended for business partners, but one thing has also caught the attention of the general public: an inconspicuous image of the Windows desktop with a rather unconventional arrangement of elements.
In one of the presentations, Microsoft showed a different Windows interface than we are used to. The main panel has a movable shape and is deprived of the right part with the clock and other icons: it is moved to the upper right corner of the screen, on the contrary, the weather information is located on the left. At the top center we see the search bar and the icon of the currently open application, in this case the Word text editor with the Next Valley Prototype Design document open.
The name of this document is important, because Next Valley is an internal designation of the next version of Windows, which likely to arrive in two years. According to Zac Bowden from the Windows Central server this is one of several Next Valley prototypes he has had the privilege of seeing. The version shown at Ignite should showcase some of the design goals Microsoft has set for the next version of Windows, although obviously a lot can change before release – we’re still in the early stages of internal testing.
In addition to the new interface, Microsoft plans to update the user interface in other parts of the system: in the login screen, in the notification center, etc. The goal of the changes is to achieve an interface optimized for touch, without reducing the comfort for those who control the computer with keyboard and mouse. Microsoft wants the next generation of Windows to be better prepared for all possible types of devices: desktops, laptops, tablets, and devices with flexible displays.
Author of the article
Jakub Karásek
Publisher of the site SMARTMania.cz, supporter of mobile technologies, convertible devices and wireless charging, passionate about hard music and lover of fast driving on go-karts, bicycles and skis. Opponent of FBD, slow internet and overgrown tablets.
