Microsoft
We’re been hearing rumors for some time about a significant visual refresh planned for Windows 10 in 2021 under the codename “Sun Valley.” These rumors got a little more steamy this morning when the latest Windows reporter, Mayank Parmar, saw a working position of Microsoft in October that offers prospective senior software engineer an opportunity to deliver a comprehensive visual rejuvenation of Windows experiences . [that] Windows is BACK. “
Shortly after Parmar published a report on the presentation, Microsoft edited it to remove the interesting pieces – it now reads like a standard list of software engineers, offering the opportunity to ‘enjoy, polished experiences for Windows on build ‘without saying anything about changes that windows.
What we know so far about Sun Valley
It is rumored that Sun Valley is a major UI code overhaul that is expected to end up in Windows 10 21H2 – the building that will decline in the second half of 2021. To be clear, the ‘rumors’ part means exactly what it says – so far it’s only rumors, with multiple sources but no confirmation from Microsoft.
WindowsCentral’s Zac Bowden published a piece about Sun Valley in October, with information mysteriously attributed to ‘sources’. ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley followed suit, saying her anonymous contacts confirmed the project existed – and she saw engineering references to a ‘Windows 10 ++’ the following autumn – but Microsoft’s official response was a lack of confirmation:
It’s not new to Microsoft to provide some Windows features through cumulative updates. We have nothing further to share.
New UI Elements in Microsoft Store Applications
Although we do not really know what Sun Valley will bring – apart from rumors about the reintegration of mobile and computer experiences, recent updates of some programs in the Microsoft Store seem to strengthen the rumors a bit.
The most recent update of the Alarms and Clocks app shows some new UI elements, including a map view for emerging alarms and subtly rounded rectangles on the maps. This is an evolution of the existing Fluent Design motif, not a complete overhaul, and we generally expect Sun Valley to offer similar changes to the visual experience of Windows 10.
Microsoft’s new head of the Windows division – former Surface VP Panos Panay –said he wants to move customers of ‘Need Windows to Love Windows’, and a visual refreshment that attracts younger or more design-oriented users without alienating more conservative, change-phobic users will be the key to that vision.