A significant new feature for the next generation Windows
will be the ability to run Android apps natively, which will be downloadable
from the Amazon App Store via the new Windows store. The blending of three app
ecosystems will be supplemented by Intel’s Bridge Technology. Microsoft’s chief
product officer Panos Panay made the announcement at the company’s launch
event, demonstrating how TikTok could be run from within Windows after
downloading it through the Microsoft store using the Amazon App Store.
Another significant change is the shifting of the Start menu
button to the centre. The design language of Windows 11 showcases rounder edges
and pastel colours.
The minimum requirements for Windows 11 are a 64-bit CPU,
4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
"Today marks a major milestone in the history of
Windows. It's the beginning of a new generation. I'm excited by what we've
shown you today, and how we're reimagining everything from the operating system
itself to the browser to the Store and the Feed,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella
said. "With Windows 11, we have a renewed sense of Windows' role in the
world,” he added.
The pandemic year saw PC sales boom as millions had to work
from home across the world and required new devices.
In a blog post, Microsoft said Windows 11 will be available
through a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs and on new PCs
"beginning this holiday" (end of the year).