Microsoft is working on a major change for the Windows 10 taskbar, and it’s available to testers starting today. The new feature, which will be ad-free, will add a Google Discovery news and weather feed, making it easier for users to access important information.
In a blog post on Wednesday, Microsoft outlined the latest feature. “With news and interests on the Windows taskbar, you get quick access to an integrated stream of dynamic content, such as news and weather updates throughout the day,” said Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc.
According to Microsoft, users will be able to personalize their feed with appropriate content. Having everything there in the taskbar is much more convenient than jumping between different programs or checking multiple devices.
The news feed in the Windows 10 taskbar shows the latest headlines, sports, and more from over 4,500 global brands, including The New York Times, BBC, en The edge. When you open an article from the news feed, you get a streamlined reading version that provides less distraction.
“As more of our time is spent on our computers working, learning, switching and playing, news and interests on the taskbar are a great companion for those who want to stay up to date with the latest happenings,” LeBlanc said. . “Over time, we hope to bring your news and interest feeds to other places, such as Microsoft Edge, so you can stay up to date no matter where you are.”
The news and weather features are available today in the Windows Insiders taskbar, starting with Build 21286 in the Dev Channel. Windows Insiders have access to the feature in the US, Canada, UK, Australia and India.
The new features come amid a flurry of additions for Windows Insiders, including more modernized storage space settings, an enhanced experience in switching between time zones and the ability to execute Linux commands at startup in WSL. If you do not have Windows 10, there are ways to upgrade for free for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users.