According to a screenshot many viewers noticed during an Ignite Keynote, Microsoft might be working on a desktop experience with a floating Taskbar to access the Start menu and apps at the bottom of the screen. And a new transparent bar at the top showing the System tray icons and clock at the right, a weather widget on the left, and a search box in the middle. The new design should look familiar since it is similar to the desktop design found on macOS, Linux distributions like Ubuntu, and mobile operating systems like Android and iOS. Although this is a mockup, the company seems to be considering such a design. According to another report from Windows Central, Zac Bowden claims that he was shown “preliminary design ideas” of different concept designs with similar variations. For example, he notes a semitransparent bar at the top of the screen for the System tray icons and other elements. Also, the report claims that sources have confirmed that the interface briefly shown during an Ignite session represents the design vision Microsoft plans for the next version of Windows (Next Valley) expected to arrive in 2024. Furthermore, the software giant has plans to introduce even more visual changes, such as a new sign-in screen and notification center. Sources also said that these design changes are meant to improve the visual of Windows to make it better for touch-enabled devices while trying not to break the keyboard and mouse experience. In light of the new design changes, this could be one of the reasons the company decided to remove the option to move the Taskbar to the top of the screen, as the space is now reserved for the new bar. Only remember that these are concepts that the company can cancel at any time, so it’s unclear whether the new floating Taskbar and the top bar will ever make it to a version of Windows. However, the experimental concept showing up in an official keynote video is interesting. What are your thoughts about the floating Taskbar and the new elements? Tell us in the comments below. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
