Microsoft
We have heard Rumors For a while now it’s about a major visual update planned for Windows 10 in 2021 under the codename “Sun Valley”. This rumor gained some additional momentum this morning, when recent Windows reporter Mayank Parmar came along Foreman A job announcement at Microsoft took place in October that provided the opportunity for potential senior software engineers to “provide a comprehensive visual revamp of Windows experiences to point out.” [that] Windows is back. “
Shortly after Parmar published a report on List, Microsoft edited it to remove the interesting bits – it now reads like a standard software engineer job listing, giving the opportunity to “build delightful and polished Windows experiences” without saying anything about upcoming changes to Windows.
What we know about Sun Valley so far
Sun Valley is rumored to be an overhaul of UI code expected to hit Windows 10 21H2 – a design that will drop in the second half of 2021. To be clear, the “rumor” part means exactly what it says – so far, only rumors, with Multiple sources but without confirmation from Microsoft.
Zach Bowden from WindowsCentral Published A piece on Sun Valley in October, with information vaguely attributed to “sources.” Mary Jo Foley from ZDNet Has follow-up To say that the unnamed contacts confirmed the existence of the project – and had seen engineering references for “Windows 10 ++” scheduled for release next fall – but Microsoft’s official response was a slight lack of confirmation:
It’s nothing new to Microsoft offering some Windows features through cumulative updates. We have no more to share.
New user interface elements in Microsoft Store apps
While we don’t really know what Sun Valley will bring – aside from rumors of re-integrating mobile and desktop experiences – recent updates to some apps in Microsoft Store seem to solidify these rumors a little.
The latest update to Alarms and Clocks introduces some new user interface elements, including the card displaying upcoming alerts and subtly rounded rectangles on those cards. This is an evolution of the current Fluent Design element, not a complete fix, and we widely expect Sun Valley to bring similar changes throughout the Windows 10 visual experience.
Microsoft’s new head of the Windows OS division – former vice president of Surface Panos Panay–He said He wants to move customers from “needing Windows to love Windows”, highlighting a visual update that engages younger or more design-focused users without alienating more conservative users and fear of change will be key to that vision.