Microsoft is currently experimenting with a new Voice Control feature Windows 11 operating system That allows users to control the volume of multiple apps from quick settings.
Volume Mixer, as it is known, is currently available in Preview version 25281 (Opens in a new tab) From the Dev channel on the Windows 11 Insider Program. It is compared to software like Discord and EarTrumpet Because of the similar capabilities of adjusting volume levels for different sound sources. For example, you can keep the volume on a Skype call loud while playing soft music on Spotify and use WhatsApp somewhere in between for notifications. It’s a level of management that isn’t currently being considered because Windows 11 currently offers only general tweaks. Users usually use third-party apps, such as the EarTrumpet, to get this level of control.
What’s more interesting, however, is that Microsoft didn’t mention Volume Mixer in the Preview Build announcement. It was discovered only after the users searched around the release files and found the hidden feature. Hopefully the tool becomes a reality, because being able to adjust the volume individually on each app would be nice. Windows 11 needs a better audio tool.
We say “hopefully” because this is an experimental feature and there is no guarantee that it will ever be released. As mentioned in the Windows Insider Program post from 2022, some “concepts will never ship…” Microsoft will probably take Volume Mixer back to the drawing board to improve it, but at this point, who knows?
New features and redesign
As for what was already revealed in Preview Build 25281, Windows Spotlight is getting a small redesign. The interface will display more detailed information about an image such as the name of the subject and a brief description. Developers are also experimenting with different ways to switch images; Like whether or not it should be a “full screen experience”. According to Microsoft, it will be easier to adjust the graphical settings. Certain configurations such as GPU preferences will now be shown front and center in the Graphics section of the Settings menu.
In addition, the Notepad now supports multiple tabs So users can manage multiple files in one window. Similar to browsers, you can Drag one of the tabs (Opens in a new tab) to be an example. And there’s a new Notepad setting that allows users to specify “whether files open in new tabs or a new window by default.”
Other new Notepad features include additional keyboard shortcuts and the ability for the application to automatically generate file/tab names based on current content. It appears that the Notepad update is separate from Preview Build 25281, so you’ll have to download both.
Microsoft is working hard to pave the way for Windows 11 to eventually assume the role of the company’s only operating system and support it. In addition to the sunset Windows 7 and 8.1Recently, the company announced that it will no longer sell Windows 10 Home or Pro licenses on its website Starting January 31st.
Be safe to check out TechRadar’s guide How to upgrade to Windows 11if you are thinking of finally taking the lead.