One of many core Windows 11 apps simply acquired some consideration from Microsoft, with the Images utility receiving an replace that applies a nifty new function and a lot of different bits and items.
The replace is coming to Home windows 11 testers within the Canary and Dev channels (the 2 earliest take a look at platforms) and is rolling out now.
The primary change is the introduction of a brand new slideshow mode, which as you’d anticipate gives a slideshow of your photograph assortment (or chosen pics). These photographs will be considered with transitions and animations turned on, or you’ll be able to swap these off.
There’s additionally a alternative of background music, with 25 soundtracks to choose from throughout varied themes equivalent to ‘energetic’ or ‘chilled’, with a variety to swimsuit any temper.
As Microsoft notes, the slideshow performance was a “prime function request we obtained from the neighborhood” for the reason that new Images app was launched in Home windows 11 in September 2022, no much less.
Microsoft additionally observes that it has reintroduced the timeline scrollbar to the Images app, which means the vertical bar on the correct that allows you to scroll via photographs by yr and month.
This scrollbar is now current for the All Images, OneDrive, and iCloud Images gallery views. That is one other prime function request that has been applied, the software program big reminds us.
The ultimate main change is that Microsoft has purchased in a ‘Spot Repair’ function. The thought is which you can spotlight a small blemish in a picture and the Images app will routinely clean it over, so the mark disappears.
There’s a raft of different small tweaks utilized right here, together with that when you copy a picture from the Images app and paste it into Outlook or Groups, the image is now inserted inline (within the precise physique of the message) reasonably than added as an attachment by default.
For the total particulars of what Microsoft has completed, together with all that extra minor tinkering underneath the hood, take a look at the announcement blog post (opens in new tab).
Testers (within the Canary or Dev builds) who wish to attempt the brand new Images expertise must replace and guarantee they’re working model 2023.11050.2013.0 of the app (or higher).
Evaluation: Listening to suggestions – a welcome development
It’s good to see proof of Microsoft listening extra rigorously to person suggestions once more. This grew to become a theme with Home windows 10 some time after the OS was launched, after which Microsoft’s will to choose up on person requests appeared to ebb – however now’s returning with Home windows 11 (lastly).
We’re speaking in regards to the change of heart across the taskbar, primarily, together with the rumored return of the ‘by no means mix’ function which is one thing we’re ready for earlier than making the leap to Home windows 11. (A leap that Microsoft is now prodding individuals to take much more than earlier than, remembering that Home windows 10 is now formally in stasis, with no more new features coming).
At any fee, these modifications to the Images app bowing to in style demand are one other constructive signal that Microsoft appears to be doing the correct factor with Home windows 11 increasingly. Particularly: listening. So, let’s hope the corporate may hear the loud and clear suggestions coming via about pushing veiled ads into the OS.
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