Microsoft Tests Redesigned Widgets In Windows 11 And Presents Other New Features

JAKARTA - Microsoft will again add new features to Windows 11, one of which focuses on adding elements to widgets.

According to Windows 11 Build 25324 that just shipped to Insiders on the Canary Channel, the widget board will be changed to span three columns which will display custom sections or feed content with a clear separation between the two.

The company says the updated widget will help users quickly access at-a-glance content from their favorite apps and services

Plus, users can also pause to view personalized news content. However, this feature only works on certain devices and is currently in internal testing.

Additionally, Microsoft is also bringing a new USB4 setup experience, a feature that can warn users about copying, pasting passwords, and other changes is also coming with the build.

"We are adding a Settings page for USB4 hubs and devices for users who are available in Settings click Bluetooth & devices click USB, then select Hubs and USB4 Devices," Microsoft said, quoted Tuesday, March 28.

It doesn't stop there, the company is also experimenting with animated widget icons and the ability to move widgets to the taskbar.

"Animations are triggered when you hover or click on the Widget taskbar entry point or when a new widget announcement is displayed on your taskbar. Currently, only some weather and financial icons are supported," Microsoft said.

Some Chinese fonts have also been simplified and Microsoft Pinyin IME to support GB18030-2022, "With this update, you can input and display characters from compatibility level 1 or 2 via the addition of Microsoft Yahei, Simsun, and Dengxian. Unicode extensions E and F are now supported in our Simsun Ext-B font to meet level 3 requirements," said Microsoft.

Previously, Microsoft had rolled out Bing Chat access into the search box on the taskbar which included a button to open the Bing chat experience in Edge.

"If you don't have access to the new Bing, the search box on the taskbar will show a highlight dynamic search button. We're starting to roll this out to Insiders, not everyone will see it right away," Microsoft concluded.