Microsoft has recently rolled out an update for its Photos app, now available for Windows 11 in the Windows Insider Program. This update brings a host of requested interface changes and enhancements to image quality, making the user experience even better.
Enhanced Accessibility and Usability
One of the most noticeable changes is the addition of actions like “Share” and “Start slideshow” on the main screen. Previously hidden in the menu, Microsoft has now made these options more accessible to encourage more users to take advantage of these features.
In addition, Microsoft has migrated the Photos app from UWP to Windows App SDK, a move announced earlier this month. While this change may not be immediately visible in the UI, it allows the Photos app to leverage more web technologies in certain areas. For example, the new image editor within Microsoft Photos now features OneDrive’s image editor capabilities.
Integration with OneDrive's Image Editor
Microsoft has integrated OneDrive’s cross-platform image editor into the Photos app, citing several advantages of using web technologies. These include improved image quality with WebGL support, enhanced performance when sharing high-quality images, and access to the latest improvements and security updates through a more up-to-date version of Chromium.
After the update, users may notice that the Photos app utilizes more resources when editing images, as it now calls Microsoft Edge WebView APIs for editing purposes.
Additional Enhancements in the Photos App
- Users can now zoom in and out on photos from 10% to 800% of their original size using a new slider feature.
- The size and dimensions of photos can now be viewed at the bottom of the screen.
- The ability to choose when to transfer photos and videos from devices, giving users more control over the import process.
These updates are currently being rolled out to the Microsoft Photos app and can be downloaded from the Store. Experience the new and improved features for yourself and elevate your photo editing experience with Microsoft’s latest enhancements.
