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| Windows 11 will get Android apps next month |
Microsoft plans to release a public preview of its Android app for Windows 11 next month, with some improvements to the taskbar, Notepad app, and a fixed media player.
Windows 11 product manager Panos Panay explained the upcoming changes to Windows 11 in a blog post, and it looks like it's part of the operating system's first major update.
Banay oversees the development of Surface products and related devices, as well as the Windows operating system.
Taskbar improvements include muting and unmute audio and the optional ability to show the clock on a secondary screen.
These features weren't there when Windows 11 was released, but Microsoft is still working on improving the taskbar further to bring back missing features like drag and drop.
The operating system also includes a weather widget for the taskbar, which Microsoft has been testing for the past month.
Microsoft is also redesigning Notepad and Media Player. Both feature a dark mode and design changes that closely match Windows 11.
The Android app is an important addition. Banay said the beta version is available for public preview, noting that the feature is still in beta when it becomes publicly available next month.
Microsoft began testing Android apps across platforms with testers in October. This feature allows you to install a limited number of apps from the Amazon Appstore.
There are many solutions to make Google Play Store work on Windows 11. However, this is not officially supported by Microsoft.
There is a solution to make Google Play Store work with Windows 11
Banai has also been sharing various statistics about the importance of Windows over the past two years. Windows 10 and Windows 11 are now running on 1.4 billion devices each month. The PC market has grown significantly during the pandemic.
We see three continuing trends behind the evolving demand for and use of personal computers:
- The emergence of hybrid work and study.
- Changes in entertainment habits and distribution models.
- Changing consumption habits for daily tasks
Microsoft also said the number of people using apps like Cisco WebEx, Slack, Microsoft Teams and Zoom has increased sixfold.
Next month's Windows 11 update will also make it easier to share your screen in Microsoft Teams and other video calling apps.
Additionally, when you hover over an app like Microsoft Teams in the taskbar, a new tab will appear. The new tab allows you to quickly share the contents of the window during a call.
Banai explained that the number of people streaming content via Hulu, Netflix and YouTube on Windows has increased by 70% since the pandemic began. Monthly playing time increased by more than 35%.