One of many core Home windows 11 apps simply acquired some consideration from Microsoft, with the Images software receiving an replace that applies a nifty new characteristic 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 check platforms) and is rolling out now.
The primary change is the introduction of a brand new slideshow mode, which as you’d anticipate offers a slideshow of your picture assortment (or chosen pics). These photographs may be considered with transitions and animations turned on, or you’ll be able to change these off.
There’s additionally a selection of background music, with 25 soundtracks to select from throughout varied themes equivalent to ‘energetic’ or ‘chilled’, with a variety to go well with any temper.
As Microsoft notes, the slideshow performance was a “high characteristic request we obtained from the group” 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 permits you to scroll by means of photographs by 12 months and month.
This scrollbar is now current for the All Images, OneDrive, and iCloud Images gallery views. That is one other high characteristic request that has been applied, the software program large reminds us.
The ultimate main change is that Microsoft has purchased in a ‘Spot Repair’ characteristic. The thought is you could spotlight a small blemish in a picture and the Images app will robotically easy it over, so the mark disappears.
There’s a raft of different small tweaks utilized right here, together with that should 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) somewhat than added as an attachment by default.
For the complete particulars of what Microsoft has accomplished, together with all that extra minor tinkering below 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 operating 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 consumer suggestions once more. This turned a theme with Home windows 10 some time after the OS was launched, after which Microsoft’s will to select up on consumer requests appeared to ebb – however now could be returning with Home windows 11 (lastly).
We’re speaking in regards to the change of coronary heart across the taskbar, primarily, together with the rumored return of the ‘by no means mix’ characteristic which is one thing we’re ready for earlier than making the leap to Home windows 11. (A leap that Microsoft is now prodding folks to take much more than earlier than, remembering that Home windows 10 is now formally in stasis, with no extra new options coming).
At any charge, these adjustments to the Images app bowing to well-liked demand are one other optimistic signal that Microsoft appears to be doing the correct factor with Home windows 11 an increasing number of. Specifically: listening. So, let’s hope the corporate may hear the loud and clear suggestions coming by means of about pushing veiled advertisements into the OS.