Microsoft is quietly testing a new and intriguing change to the Windows 11 Start menu that could introduce a floating panel full of “companion” widgets. This new feature was discovered by Windows watcher Albacore in the latest test versions of Windows 11 released by Microsoft. While not officially announced by Microsoft yet, the “Start menu Companions” appear to be a way for developers to extend the Windows 11 Start menu with widget-like functionality that lives inside a floating island docked next to the Start menu.
Developers will have the ability to build apps that provide widget-like information through adaptive cards. These companions will be configurable in the main Windows 11 Settings section, allowing users to install multiple companions and enable or disable them as needed. According to Albacore, these companions are web-centric, similar to the widgets found inside Windows 11.
If Microsoft decides to move forward with this Start menu feature, it could potentially replace the Live Tiles that were removed in Windows 10X and Windows 11. Live Tiles, which were animated and flipping icons from the Windows Phone days, provided widget-like information on the Start menu but did not have widespread support from app developers. Microsoft initially introduced Live Tiles in Windows 8 when attempting to bridge the gap with its Windows Phone OS.
The addition of Start menu companions could enhance the user experience in Windows 11 by providing more interactive and customizable content directly within the Start menu. Users may find it easier to access important information and updates without having to open individual apps. This feature could also encourage developers to create more engaging and dynamic widgets for Windows 11 users.
The potential introduction of Start menu companions in Windows 11 represents an exciting development that could improve the overall functionality and user experience of the operating system. By allowing developers to create widget-like extensions for the Start menu, Microsoft is giving users more control over how they interact with their devices. As this feature continues to be tested and refined, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and impacts the Windows 11 ecosystem in the future.
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