Microsoft unveils Windows 11; first major update in 6 years

Microsoft has unveiled the next generation of its Windows software, called Windows 11, which has sleeker visual features and is more open to third-party apps.

The most recent version of Microsoft's flagship operating-system announced Thursday is a successor to today's Windows 10, that your company introduced in 2015.

In a challenge to rival Apple, the business also announced that it will not force software developers to pay fees to Microsoft for which consists of application store; and that Google's popular Android software will operate on its new system.

Windows 11 is likely to become available later this year on new computers and other devices and as a free update for all those with Windows 10. It offers a bunch of cosmetic upgrades, such as a new Start button, a revamped task bar and sounds, and under-the-hood features designed to boost speed and efficiency.

While opening more doors to third-party developers, in addition, it further entrenches Microsoft's workplace chatting tool Teams by so that it is easier to contact persons when starting up.

Forrester analyst J.P. Gownder said the aesthetic, user-friendly improvements reflect CEO Satya Nadella's promise to build products that people will “love,” not tolerate, though Gownder questioned whether Windows 11 is actually a fresh generation of software. The fact that it's built on a single core code base as Windows 10 may be a very important thing, he added, because it could avoid the technical glitches that plagued the release of Windows Vista in 2007.

Microsoft's virtual announcement event was itself damaged by technical difficulties Thursday, forcing the business to recommend some viewers watch it on Twitter instead.

When it launched Windows 10 six years ago, Microsoft was hoping that the brand new operating system would make it rebuild loyalty among users who were increasingly counting on tablets, smartphones and other devices.

Windows has been a PC workhorse for many years. Its first version launched in 1985, offering computer novices a “graphical interface” so they could select icons and menus with a mouse button instead of simply type commands right into a blank screen.

It's been a core part of Microsoft's business since, though its influence waned as PC sales declined with the rise of smartphones.

Microsoft said it could allow developers to bypass the payments system in its software store if indeed they have their own commerce engine.

That could create problems for Apple, which has faced government scrutiny over its iphone app store and a legal battle from Epic, the maker of the popular Fortnite game, which contends Apple has been gouging application makers by charging commissions ranging from 15% to 30% for in-app transactions since it forbids other options on its iPhone, iPad and iPod.

“I believe this will be problematic for Apple in its antitrust dealings,” said tech analyst Patrick Moorhead. “Apple charging 30% in its store and Microsoft charging 0% and 15% if you are using its commerce engine. Global antitrust units are currently scrutinizing Apple upon this very point.”

Moorhead said the simpler usage of third-party apps, combined with better interface promised with Windows 11, may help Microsoft get a better hold in the premium tablet market, now dominated by the iPad.