Since the release of Windows 10, Microsoft has iteratively improved the aesthetics and appeal of its operating system. While the firm initially dialled back the touch-heavy influence of Windows 8, the company has since gone on to modernise aspects of Windows’ traditional desktop architecture. While the changes have (arguably) been made for the better, some parts of the operating system still appear dated to Windows 7.
Now, in a new job listing, Microsoft has hinted that Windows may soon undergo an enormous redesign that could have several repercussions for ordinary users and its app ecosystem.
On a job listing for a software engineering role in the Windows Core User Experience Team, Microsoft advertises:
“On this team, you’ll work with our key platform, Surface, and OEM partners to orchestrate and deliver a sweeping visual rejuvenation of Windows experiences to signal to our customers that Windows is BACK and ensure that Windows is considered the best user OS experience for customers.”
The note of Surface and OEM partners is interesting, and could signal that Microsoft’s planned revisions might require collaboration on significant hardware standards. For example, the move could be set to bring about consistency between touch interfaces – while Windows now natively supports touch on tablets and two-in-ones, for example, many industry players have seen fit to introduce second screens or software support to their own liking.
Microsoft introduced Fluent Design to obstensibly standardise how touch (and other interactions) perform across desktop and modern apps – though it remains to be seen how the Redmond giant intends to bring its operating system further into the future.
Perhaps most famously, Apple’s macOS recently enjoyed a major upgrade with the release of Big Sur – leaving the ball in Microsoft’s court.
What are your thoughts? Would a visual refresh leave you more likely to use Windows day to day? Let us know in the comments below!
