Highlights:
• Microsoft is now releasing new developer tools and improvements
• With the goal of releasing updates for Windows 11 in the coming months
The Azure platform, Microsoft 365 apps and services, Power platform, and the roadmap for Windows 11 and Microsoft Edge platforms were all discussed at Microsoft’s annual BUILD developer conference.
Consumers will be interested in the Windows and Edge updates, as well as tools developers getting to expand the scope of utility for apps like Microsoft Teams and OneNote, ahead of CEO Satya Nadella’s keynote address at a developers’ conference.
Microsoft is now releasing new developer tools and enhancements, with the goal of releasing updates for Windows 11 in the coming months. Existing software code, for example, will be easier to package for the Windows platform.
Microsoft Store now offers the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
The integration of Android apps on Windows has been one of the most significant advancements made by Windows 11 over Windows 10.The Windows Subsystem for Android is now running Android Open-Source Project (AOSP) 12.1, which means Android apps on a Windows PC will benefit from improvements such as better windowing and resizing, improved networking, and more compatible apps available for download.
With Microsoft’s improved networking access for Android apps on PCs, users will be able to set up smart home devices like smart speakers and security cameras.
Data privacy and security will also be improved
Any Android app on a PC that uses the microphone or camera will be able to report back using taskbar icons. There are also tweaks to allow Android apps to correctly access the webcam, fixes for the on-screen keyboard, and interface tweaks, which were all expected.
Sticking with Android apps on Windows PCs, Microsoft has announced that the Amazon Appstore preview for Windows 11 will be expanded to five new countries. This means that users in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom will be able to access Amazon’s app store before the end of the year.
Widgets in Windows 11 will soon support third-party widgets – Microsoft is allowing developers to create companion widgets for their win32 or PWA apps, which the company refers to as ‘Adaptive Cards.’
Widgets on Windows 11 currently only include those created by Microsoft, so adding more apps to the widget library is a logical upgrade. There are no specific dates yet, but Microsoft says new widgets for your PC apps will be available later this year.
Microsoft Store adding more apps
When it comes to Windows 11 enhancements, Microsoft will broaden the scope of the restore feature, making the Store smart enough to restore all of your PC apps to a new PC whenever you switch laptops or desktops.
The Microsoft Store currently does not support this, so users will have to manually download all apps on their new PC (and often struggle with login details).
Given that Microsoft Store has been adding more apps of late (Firefox, Zoom, and Adobe’s apps are just a few examples), this restore feature will be extremely useful.
