Is the latest change to the Windows 11 taskbar an opportunity for an overhaul? Spoiler, no, not at all.
While there's growing talk of a possible overhaul of the Windows 11 Start menu, with the return of some very interesting features, there are also whispers that Microsoft is planning to update its famous taskbar. While many users clearly regret the bar's lack of customization, we're left dreaming of a whole host of settings to adjust everything from the bar's presentation to its position, shape and even operation.
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Recent reports, notably from TechRadar, suggest that the taskbar overhaul could happen sooner rather than later... right now! Except that no major changes have been made, and there don't seem to be any plans to do so in the near future. So what has Microsoft decided to change about its famous bar? Well, it's simple, really simple: Microsoft has simply added a new default icon to the bar. An icon that allows immediate access to Windows Studio effects. But don't think that the change is totally minor: Windows Studio effects are linked to artificial intelligence, and Microsoft has already explained that this is a way of democratizing access to artificial intelligence even further.
The icon was introduced with the latest Windows 11 update. Among the functionalities made possible by this icon and the Windows Studio effects, we can note the possibility of setting up a background blur on video calls, for example. There's also talk of correcting lighting and improving framing for something more professional. Another feature is the ability to track eye contact with the camera, a kind of trick made possible by artificial intelligence. Admittedly, this isn't much, and it's unlikely to satisfy those who want a taskbar overhaul. Even more annoying is the fact that Windows Studio effects are intimately linked to Copilot+, and if your PC isn't Copilot+-compatible, you won't be able to take advantage of them. You'll also need at least 16 GB of RAM. AI is on the move, but things are still slow for Microsoft and its Windows 11.
