Windows 11s Start menu recommendations are being improved but Im still not impressed, Microsoft

Date:
Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:32:32 +0000

Description:
This is a positive move for Windows 11 users, but ideally, Id like the option to completely ditch Microsofts suggestions.

FULL STORY ======================================================================The Recommended panel in the Start menu has been improved in testing Windows 11 testers now get more relevant website suggestions Microsoft has clarified it has no plans to remove this panel from the menu

Windows 11 is getting changes to improve the recommendations that Microsoft pushes in the Start menu , and the software giant has confirmed that these suggestions will continue to be part of the OS going forward.

Those on Windows 11 will doubtless be familiar with the Recommended panel in the Start menu. This is where apps or files that youve recently used or may need and websites you might want to visit are flagged up (although some efforts have essentially been thinly veiled ads in the past).

The change comes with preview build 22635.4655 in the Beta channel, where Windows 11 testers are being treated to better filtering for the recommended websites in the Start menu.

In other words, the claim is that the recommendations served will be more relevant, and this move has been made based on feedback from Windows 11 testers.

In the blog post for this preview, Microsoft explains that the aim is to show the highest quality sites based on your own browsing history.

Elsewhere in build 22635, Microsoft Edge Game Assist has been activated so Beta channel testers can give it a whirl.

This is a feature for the browser thats essentially a mini version of Edge running in the Game Bar overlay, allowing you to look at websites to read
tips and guides while actually in-game. Therefore you avoid the need to Alt-Tab out to the desktop to get help, and the risk of dying at the hands of an enemy while youre doing so.

If youre curious to know more about the Game Assist feature (you can see it
in action, in the below image), Ive written about it at length elsewhere . (Image credit: Microsoft) Analysis: Microsofts suggestions arent going anywhere

Windows Latest has tested the new spin on the Start menus recommendations
and noted that the files and sites which Windows 11 surfaced are indeed now more relevant, as promised.

Thats a useful stride forwards, but for those who dont like these kinds of suggestions embedded in an operating systems interface me included it doubtless wont be enough to persuade them that this is a worthwhile use of screen real-estate.

If you were harboring any hope that Microsoft might be thinking twice about the inclusion of the Recommended panel at all, then you can forget that notion. Windows Latest specifically asked on that score and says: Microsoft also told me that it has no plans to remove the recommendations feature as it continues to work on improving its quality so you can find items that matter to you more easily.

While I cant say Im surprised at that stance, it would be nice to be able to choose what content populated the Windows 11 Start menu, so every user could customize it to their liking at least to some extent. And folks like me
could dump any sign of Microsofts nudges to use products or sites ( more broadly across the whole OS , ideally). You may also like... A Chrome-killing browser will be OpenAI's next big shot at Google, according to a new report Windows 11s feature to allow typing with your Xbox controller has vanished in a blow for owners of handheld gaming PCs Windows 11 remains an unloved OS
but why won't people upgrade?



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/windows-11s-start-menu-recommendat ions-are-being-improved-but-im-still-not-impressed-microsoft


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)