Windows 10X Leak Reveals New Launcher, Taskbar, and Lock Screen
A new Windows 10X leak has revealed some of the new features coming to Microsoft's latest operating system for foldable and dual-screen devices.
Announced on October 2nd alongside the Surface Neo and Surface Neo, Microsoft stated that Windows 10X will be optimized for Surface Neo-like form-factors, but not much further details were shared.
While we know that Windows 10X will debut with foldable and dual-screen devices, a new leaked internal document suggests that Windows 10X can also be used on “clamshells” devices like laptop and 2-in-1s.
“For both clamshells and foldables, the taskbar will be the same model with a series of 'levers',” the leaked document reads.
This means that Windows 10X will eventually arrive on traditional laptops as well, but it won't ship as a software update on existing devices, at least for now.
Here's everything else that the document for Windows 10X revealed:
Launcher
Windows 10X comes with a Launcher and not the traditional Start menu with live tiles.
The Launcher is being designed to help users start and resume tasks quickly. Unlike Start menu, the Launcher will have app shortcuts, recommended content and a search bar at the top.
App shortcuts can be customized, while the recommended content will feature apps, websites and files that are most frequently used and accessed.
Taskbar
Windows 10X will also come with a taskbar, so you will be to launch apps pinned to the taskbar and switch between them. The document claims that Windows 10X's new taskbar will have 'apps grouped together under the same icon', which could be simply referring to multiple instances of the app.
In addition to app icons, the taskbar will also have Start menu, Task View/Task Switcher, and as well as Quick Actions (a new name for Action Center).
Pre-installed apps
The devices running Windows 10X will have all Microsoft apps including Edge, Photos, Mail & Calendar, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, To-Do, OneDrive, Modern File Explorer, and others
OEMs will be allowed to ship as many as four apps with their Windows 10X devices. For example, HP could ship its Windows 10X device with HP support assistance and audio apps.
Lockscreen
Lastly, the OS will ship with revamped lockscreen and as well as significant improvements for Windows Hello facial recognition experience.
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