Microsoft appears to be experimenting with some intriguing new features for Windows 11 based on the latest preview build 26212. Well-known leaker Albacore spotted a couple of notable changes that could make their way into future Windows releases.
It's time for the Start menu to become extensible!✨
— Albacore ☁️ (@thebookisclosed) May 9, 2024
Windows 11 β build 26212 quietly introduces support for "Start Menu Companions." They're apps that provide Adaptive Cards which display on a floating island (docked ➡️ or ⬅️) alongside Start
Used Widgets data as a quick demo 😊 pic.twitter.com/FddrpC99h3
The first is the introduction of what Microsoft calls “companions” – widget-style panels that attach to the Start menu and provide real-time informational updates. These companions can be docked on either side of the Start menu, seemingly resurrecting the concept of Live Tiles that were dropped after Windows 8.
While companions were quietly added in build 26212 without any fanfare from Microsoft, their inclusion hints at potential plans to reinvigorate the Start menu with dynamic, glanceable content. However, their low-key debut could also mean this is just an experimental feature that may not make the final cut.
Importantly, there appears to be an option to disable companions for those uninterested in having extra panels attached to their Start menu.
Elsewhere in the new preview, references were found suggesting Microsoft will further integrate its AI copilot deep into the Windows 11 interface. Specifically, when searches in the Settings app yield no results, users may be prompted to query the AI assistant instead.
The AI assistant’s involvement could help surface useful advice or suggestions that the core Windows UI is unable to provide. However, this Settings integration isn’t actually live yet in testing builds.
Another piece of new-ish functionality in Settings is the ability to ask Copilot ✨ for help in case the inbox database has no result for your query 🔍
— Albacore ☁️ (@thebookisclosed) May 9, 2024
In case you don't have the option yet and would like to use it, enable feature ID 49445394 pic.twitter.com/inK8AWVkNH
Both the companion widgets and enhanced Copilot presence represent Microsoft’s efforts to modernize the Windows experience with intelligent, dynamic interfaces. However, the changes could also prove polarizing, particularly the additions to the Start menu.
As AI becomes further intertwined across Windows 11’s functions, Microsoft will likely face ongoing criticism around excessive software bloat and intrusive recommendations. Many have already voiced desires for more user control and toggles to tame Windows’ incessant nudges.
NEWS SOURCE: tweaktown
