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- Microsoft has started a new research panel
- It's aiming to get feedback on the Windows 11 interface from testers
- The program will consist of a number of studies going forward, focusing on different areas of the user experience
Microsoft is making further efforts to get feedback from Windows 11 users on how to improve the operating system, with a new program aimed at Windows testers.
Yes, this is part of the campaign to fix Windows 11 (pretty much everything Microsoft does these days is). As Windows Latest reports, invitations are being sent out for a new 'Windows Insider Panel' whereby testers are being asked to put themselves forward to offer feedback on the Windows 11 interface.
Those invited (via email) need to fill in a survey which gives Microsoft a good idea of the way in which they use Windows 11 (productivity, creative apps, gaming and so forth).
The Windows and Devices UX (user experience) research panel is going to run various studies going forward, and if you're a good fit for whatever Microsoft is looking at in the way of changing Windows 11 in any particular study, they might bring you in to provide your opinions.
In the email sent out, Microsoft observes that this is a chance to: "Join and help shape the future of Windows."
Analysis: a new hope
As if we hadn't received enough in the way of signals that Microsoft really is taking its revamping of Windows 11 very seriously, this is another clear sign. Indeed, the company has already run a meeting with Windows Insiders (testers) in Seattle, noting back at the time that it is "really directly influenced" by what it's hearing from Windows 11 users.
This new research panel is set to be an ongoing project and series of studies to improve the user interface of Windows 11, which is an exciting development. I suppose you could argue that it smacks of Microsoft getting a bit desperate and clutching at straws for ideas on how to make things better, but I'm inclined to give the software giant the benefit of the doubt here.
Indeed, I'm genuinely impressed at the lengths Microsoft is going to with this whole 'fix Windows 11' initiative, and while I was initially skeptical about all the big promises the company has made, it has, so far, followed through with them in a commendably thorough fashion.
Of course, there's still a long way to go on the path of improving Windows 11 in terms of not just its interface, but performance levels. However, if Microsoft can keep up this level of commitment, I'll remain optimistic – and that's been a very difficult feeling to muster with Windows 11 in the past.
➡️ Read our full guide to the best laptops
1. Best overall:
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M5
2. Best budget:
Apple MacBook Neo
3. Best Windows 11 laptop
Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch
4. Best thin and light:
Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i
5. Best Ultrabook
Asus Zenbook S 16
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