Has Microsoft accidentally leaked what Windows 12 could look like?
Heading to the Next Valley
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Microsofthas allegedly showcased the next major version ofWindowswith a user interface that features a floating Taskbar alongside a translucent information bar at the top of a display.
According to Zac Bowden atWindows Central, the next major release of Windows is called ‘Next Valley’, carrying on the Valley naming convention that began withWindows 11.
An image was shown during a demo atIgnite 2022, where the aim for this design is allegedly trying to better adapt to different devices, such as tablets and mice peripherals.
Though Bowden says that no code has been finalized toward the next major release, we wonder if we’re going to see something more final in 2023.
Turning it up to 12?
Cursed ignite mockup showing floating taskbar dock and widget and icons in desktop pic.twitter.com/6n8EHjdCybOctober 12, 2022
I’ve spoken before of what I’d like to see inWindows 12, such as the return of MSN Messenger and a dedicated podcast app, but ifwe’re already seeing concept stages of the next major release, it could merely be an evolution of what Windows 11 has brought instead.
Seeing a floating Taskbar makes sense for when you’re in certain apps, such as Microsoft’sDesignerapp and evenPaintbut if this is forWindows 12, let’s see it go further.
As the company hascommittedto a major release every three years, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the next major version showcased in late 2023, followed by a release for Insiders at the start of 2024.
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WithApplereleasing a major version ofmacOSevery year since 2012, there’s pressure on Microsoft to do something similar. However, with Windows accessible to millions of devices that the company isn’t responsible for, it’s not realistic to see a major update every year, which is why these’Moment' updatesmake more sense.
It’s a safe bet to imagine 2024 as a date for when Windows 12 can arrive, but whether it will include the floating taskbar is another matter.
Daryl had been freelancing for 3 years before joining TechRadar, now reporting on everything software-related. In his spare time, he’s written a book, ‘The Making of Tomb Raider’. His second book, ‘50 Years of Boss Fights’, came out in 2024, with a third book coming in 2025. He also has a newsletter called ‘Springboard’. He’s usually found playing games old and new on his Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and MacBook Pro. If you have a story about an updated app, one that’s about to launch, or just anything Software-related, drop him a line.
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