Microsoft keeps tinkering with various changes in Windows 11, and also the newest preview build shipped towards the Dev channel is specifically focused on Start menu and widgets refinements.

The Redmond-based software giant states that users will start seeing badging on their own profile icons in the Start menu whenever there's action requiring them attention.

The Start menu is therefore playing a more natural part within the overall Windows experience, making it possible for users to become up-to-date using the actions that need to be taken before shutting down to rebooting their devices.

"We are trying out a small change to the Start menu where some Insiders might find badging on their own user profile notifying them that certain actions need to be taken," Microsoft says.

When it comes to widgets, Microsoft says it's trying a new approach that has the header being gone to live in other locations. New icons will also be being used included in this experiment.

"We're trying out some different positions of the header with new icons for the Widgets board to understand the proper way to optimize the Widgets board for our users. By utilizing monoline icons, our goal would be to bring consistent, clean, and accessible icons to speak action featuring with simple visuals for users," the organization explains.

And last but not least, the most recent Windows 11 preview build includes voice typing refinements making it easy to sync settings across all devices where the same Microsoft account is being accustomed to log in.

"We are rolling out a big change to sync voice typing settings, Automatic punctuation and Voice typing launcher, across all devices signed in using exactly the same Microsoft account. You are able to toggle this selection via Settings > Accounts > Windows backup > Remember my preferences > Accessibility. This currently is only for Microsoft accounts today with AAD support coming later," Microsoft explains.

Microsoft is considered to be focusing on a brand new operating system version that may ship as Windows 12, therefore landing as a successor to Windows 11.

And while the job about this new OS is currently underway, few specifics happen to be shared, with people familiar with the problem previously saying that the rollout could take devote 2023 or 2024.

For the moment, however, what fuels the thrill for Windows 12 is a teaser presented by Microsoft itself and which envisions several refinements towards the desktop, including a floating taskbar.

The thought of having a floating taskbar instead of a traditional design isn't entirely new, but however, the teaser released by Microsoft is believed to be evidence that could participate the Windows 12 feature arsenal.

Obviously, it's too soon to tell if this is a particular thing or otherwise because of the focus on Windows 12 is still within the first phases, but more information on this front should emerge sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, reddit user Busy_Public_8997 has used Microsoft's teaser to create their very own mockup envisioning the feel of Windows 12. Once again, the taskbar and also the centered icons are the type stealing the show. The machine tray and the desktop clock have also been moved to the top of the screen within an approach that makes the Windows desktop look heavily inspired through the one out of macOS.

The desktop weather now resides within the top left corner, and in a lot of ways, this seems like the more natural spot for this type of feature.

Obviously, it's difficult to know if this is precisely what Windows 12 is going to look when it goes live for production devices, but hopefully, we'll get a closer look at the upcoming operating system because the focus on it advances.

File Explorer tabs, the feature that a lot of users happen to be waiting for, are now reside in the Release Preview channel thanks to the latest update shipped by Microsoft.

Microsoft says Windows 11 build 22621.675 (KB5019509) includes several new features that were initially a part of Windows 11 version 22H2, such as the tab support in File Explorer.

"We enhance File Explorer. It now includes tabs that will help you organize your File Explorer sessions like you do in Microsoft Edge. Around the newe File Explorer homepage, you are able to pin important files for convenient and simple access. Using only Microsoft OneDrive, you can view your colleagues' actions in your shared files. We provide personalized suggestions based on your Microsoft 365 account," the organization explains.

In addition, the new build also comes with support for sharing to more devices, while also witnessing the debut of the taskbar overflow menu, additionally a feature that was contained in Windows 11 version 22H2.

And last but not least, the latest build in the Release Preview ring includes Suggest Actions. This new feature allows users to carry out a series of tasks faster with a flyout that turns up automatically when choosing certain text, for example phone numbers.

"We give a feature called Suggested Actions for items that you copy. This really is readily available for customers in the usa, Canada, and Mexico. For instance, when you copy phone numbers or future dates, we provide suggestions, such as create a call with Teams or Skype or add a celebration within the Calendar app," Microsoft says.

Meanwhile, the rollout of Windows 11 version 22H2 continues, but worth knowing is that the whole thing is taking place in stages. What this means is not all devices can download it today, if your computer is already eligible for the upgrade, just go to Windows Update and manually look for updates to download the brand new operating system update.

Android 12L is the newest update for the Surface Duo, and according to people familiar with the matter, the rollout should begin at some point in the next couple weeks.

In other words, the introduction of this long awaited update is within a rather advanced stage, therefore it shouldn't take too much time before Microsoft releases the large announcement around the availability of Android 12L for that Surface Duo.

And according to a study from WindowsCentral, the development of this Surface Duo update continues to be heavily inspired by Windows 11, as Microsoft is applying several ideas that debuted around the desktop for that Android update.

In other words, Android 12L is anticipated in the future with Fluent design, the word what which has completely transformed the Windows experience on the desktop. This really is big news for the Surface Duo, as the current Android design is dependant on Google's own Material.

Furthermore, the report suggests that Microsoft will use burred effects, new animations, toggles, buttons, and notification boxes whose design is heavily inspired by Windows 11.

Needless to say, this makes perfect sense for Microsoft, especially as the company wants to provide a consistent experience across its devices.

"Fluent is beginning to change to be greater than a group of outcomes and can define the procedure through which we collectively design and build products. It represents the growth and influence of design thinking within Microsoft. It's a full time income thing that is constantly on the evolve. And like any living thing, it's basic must grow and flourish," Microsoft said not a years ago.

"Fluent becomes the very best version of itself when there is clarity around what it is, what it could be, and why that's important. Today, we aspire to make Fluent a collective, open design system that connects us, inspiring and influencing everything we create."

One of the biggest new features in Windows 11 may be the support for widgets, something which Microsoft is now focusing on expanding each and every single update.

However, it looks like the widgets were designed to debut in Windows a lot earlier, as new concepts shared online by former Microsoftie Steven Sinofsky (via XDA) show this feature isn't exactly new.

Actually, the video, with a look at early versions of Windows 8 plus some from the features Microsoft planned for this controversial operating-system, reveals the software giant wanted the widgets to become part of the desktop experience back in 2012.

The feature didn't make the cut, but instead, Microsoft went all-in on the live tiles and also the new Start screen. The video offers us having a take a look at an earlier version of the beginning screen, and among the screenshots indicating that Microsoft actually wanted to integrate the Microsoft Store right into this new experience.

In Windows 11, Microsoft is betting big on widgets as a new method to reach the content that matters for you, including news and information.

"Even when we're at our most focused and creative we still breaks - a minute to check on in with the outside or give ourselves a mental reset. Today, we often pick up our phones to check the news, weather or notifications," Microsoft said when it announced the first version of Windows 11.

"Now, you can open a similarly curated view from your desktop. Whenever you open your personalized feed it slides across your screen like a sheet of glass therefore it doesn't disrupt what you're doing. For creators and publishers, Widgets also opens new property within Windows to provide personalized content. Our aspiration would be to create a vibrant pipeline for global brands and local creators alike, in a way that both consumers and creators may benefit."