Microsoft hints at the next ‘radical visual rejuvenation’ of Windows 10

We’ve been hearing rumors for some time about a major visual refresh scheduled for Windows 10 in 2021 under the code name “Sun Valley”. These rumors gained momentum this morning, when the latest Windows reporter, Mayank Parmar, spotted a Microsoft job posting published in October that offered aspiring senior software engineers the opportunity to “deliver radical visual rejuvenation. Windows experiences to report [that] Windows is back. “

Shortly after Parmar published a report on the list, Microsoft edited it to remove interesting items – it now reads like a list of standard software engineer positions, offering the ability to “create delicious experiences and refined for Windows ”without saying anything about the upcoming changes. The Windows.

What we know about Sun Valley so far

Sun Valley is rumored to be a major UI code overhaul set to land in Windows 10 21H2 – the version that will drop in the second half of 2021. To be clear, the “rumor” part means exactly what it says. – so far this is rumors only, with multiple sources but no confirmation from Microsoft.

Zac Bowden of WindowsCentral published an article on Sun Valley in October, with information mysteriously attributed to “sources.” ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley went on to say that her anonymous contacts had confirmed that the project existed – and that she had seen technical references to a “Windows 10 ++” slated for next fall – but Microsoft’s official response was a rather cold lack of confirmation:

It is not new for Microsoft to provide certain Windows functionality through cumulative updates. We have nothing more to share.

New UI Elements in Microsoft Store Apps

While we don’t really know what Sun Valley will bring – aside from rumors of a reinstatement of mobile and desktop experiences – recent updates to some apps in the Microsoft Store seem to reinforce those rumors a bit.

The most recent update to the Alarms & Clocks app features new UI elements, including a map view for upcoming alarms and subtly rounded rectangles on these 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 throughout the Windows 10 visual experience.

The new head of Microsoft’s Windows division – former VP Surface Panos Panay –said he wants to shift customers from ‘need Windows to love Windows’, and developing a visual refresh that appeals to younger or more design-oriented users without alienating more conservative and change-minded users will be key to this. vision.