Microsoft has been quietly testing a new feature in Windows 11 that could potentially change the way users interact with the Start menu. The feature, known as “Start menu Companions,” introduces a floating panel filled with companion widgets. This new feature was discovered by Windows watcher Albacore in the latest test versions of Windows 11.
The Start menu Companions are designed to allow developers to extend the Windows 11 Start menu with widget-like functionality. These companions will reside inside a floating island that can be docked next to the Start menu. They will provide users with quick access to information and tools without the need to open full applications.
Developers will have the ability to build apps that leverage adaptive cards to display UI blocks of information within the Start menu Companions. Users will be able to configure these companions in the main Windows 11 Settings section. They can install multiple companions and choose to enable or disable them as needed.
The Start menu Companions seem to have a strong focus on web-centric design, similar to the widgets found in Windows 11. This approach suggests that Microsoft is looking to create a seamless experience for users who rely on web-based tools and services.
If Microsoft decides to integrate the Start menu Companions feature into Windows 11, it could potentially fill the void left by the removal of Live Tiles. Live Tiles, which were first introduced in Windows 8, provided users with animated and interactive icons on the Start menu. However, they were not widely adopted by app developers.
The introduction of Start menu Companions in Windows 11 marks a significant shift in how users interact with the operating system. By offering developers the ability to create widget-like experiences within the Start menu, Microsoft is opening up new possibilities for customization and productivity. It remains to be seen whether this feature will be officially announced and rolled out to all users, but it is certainly a promising development for the future of Windows 11.
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