Microsoft is launching a significant update to the Windows 11 Widgets board, featuring a revamped Discover feed with rounder widgets and Copilot-curated stories. This redesign integrates refreshed visuals characterized by squircle-like edges and introduces a new Discover dashboard.
Enhanced Design and Functionality
The redesign focuses on aesthetic improvements and user personalization. More rounded edges offer a modern look, while a new navigation bar allows users to switch between various widget dashboards. These updates aim to address current user complaints about the cluttered appearance and limited customization options.
Microsoft is also introducing Copilot Discover, which provides a comprehensive view on topics by aggregating content curated by trusted MSN publishers. This feature has been in testing within the Dev and Canary builds.
Continuity and Evolution
Widgets have evolved significantly since their introduction with Windows Vista as Gadgets. Subsequent Windows versions saw their removal and reintroduction, leading to the standalone feature in Windows 11 established in October 2021. The current update seeks to modernize the experience further.
This refresh may well align widget design closer with Fluent Design principles, suggesting room for desktop placement akin to Windows 7, and enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality.
What to Watch
The rollout of the new Discover feed will occur via a server-side update and Copilot app updates, though Microsoft has not announced a specific release date. This approach could indicate a smoother deployment, ensuring users gradually receive the updated capabilities.
- Microsoft updated Windows 11 Widgets on an unspecified date in 2023.
- The Discover feed now features rounded widget designs.
- Copilot Discover provides a summary from trusted sources.
- Widgets' evolution from Windows Vista to Windows 11 is detailed.
- Server-side and app updates power the redesign rollout.
