Microsoft is currently piloting an innovative widgets panel for Windows 11, introducing a fresh concept known as Copilot Discover. This revamped layout replaces the traditional MSN feed, offering users a more personalized experience by leveraging AI to curate stories based on individual preferences and Copilot interactions.
Enhanced User Experience
The Copilot Discover feed boasts a streamlined design that enhances speed and reduces lag, featuring smoother animations and scrolling. Users will find the presentation of stories to be less cluttered, with content displayed in large boxes accompanied by bold text for improved readability. While the stories still link to the MSN website, the overall feed has been significantly updated.
A notable addition is the new Notifications button positioned at the top of the feed. This feature highlights essential updates, including breaking news, weather forecasts, and stock market fluctuations. Users can customize these notifications, allowing them to disable alerts that may not be of interest.
Seamless Story Engagement
In a bid to enhance user engagement, Microsoft is testing a feature that allows users to read stories directly within the widgets panel. Currently, clicking on a story redirects users to their default browser, which can disrupt the flow of information. The new approach aims to provide a more cohesive reading experience, making it quicker and more efficient.
These changes signal a positive shift for the Widgets Board on Windows 11, which has seen limited third-party developer involvement in recent months. The enhancements reflect Microsoft’s commitment to revitalizing this feature and making it more appealing to users.
Widgets Customization and Accessibility
Interestingly, the new layout separates widgets from the main feed, relocating them to a dedicated tab accessible from the top left of the panel. The weather widget remains on the main page but is now fixed in position, unable to be moved or resized. Additionally, Microsoft plans to allow users to customize and pin these widgets to their lock screens, further expanding user options and potentially encouraging developers to create more widgets for the platform.
Another change includes the resizing of the widgets panel, which can no longer be viewed in full-screen mode. Instead, it now appears as a narrow slide-out feature on the left side of the display. As this feature is still in early testing, further enhancements and adjustments are anticipated.
Originally announced in May, the Copilot Discover feed is currently being tested with a select group of users. Should the feedback prove favorable, a broader rollout is expected in the coming weeks, promising an exciting evolution for Windows 11 users.