Microsoft is testing new UI changes for the Windows 11 taskbar

Microsoft is experimenting with new UI changes to the Windows 11 taskbar. The software giant is testing out bringing back the familiar search bar from Windows 10, alongside notification badges for the Widgets section in Windows 11.

Windows 11 currently ships with a search button on the taskbar, which can be disabled and only shows the search logo. Microsoft is now testing three different search taskbar visual changes. One experiment is the usual search icon, while two others include a small or large search bar in the taskbar. Microsoft is looking for feedback on the changes before they're rolled out more broadly, and the tests are part of Microsoft's new experimental Windows 11 features, which does mean they might not ship.

After bringing the Weather widget back to the taskbar in Windows 11 recently, Microsoft is now testing more notification badges. Notifications are designed for content like breaking news and look similar to the badges you find in the Action Center on the right side of the taskbar.

"When you open the Widgets panel, a banner appears at the top of the panel providing more information about what triggered the notification badge," explains Amanda Langowski, director of Windows Insider. It's not too obvious, but I hope these notifications can be disabled along with the ability to regularly remove the Widgets taskbar button."

Along with user interface tests, Windows Insiders in the Development Channel will also be able to begin testing the Camera app for Windows 11. The design has been updated to accommodate Windows 11 and now includes scan support. barcode and QR. A new Media Player update is also available for testing, with the ability to rip CDs to AAC, WMA, FLAC, and ALAC files.

Source: https://www.theverge.com