After yesterday’s servicing pipeline build for the Canary Channel, Microsoft is releasing both a new build for the Dev Channel at 23475, and another Canary Channel build, 25387, which has no associated blog post, so let’s get to what’s new in the Dev Channel with 23475:
New WinUI powered File Explorer Home and Address Bar
With this latest Dev Channel build, Microsoft is furthering the modernization of File Explorer, this time by adding a carousel display for Recommended files if users are logged in to their Azure Active Directory accounts, with file thumbnail support coming soon. In addition, Quick Access folders, Favorites, and Recent are also getting an updated WinUI based experience.
We are also introducing a modernized address bar and search box to File Explorer. The new address bar intelligently recognizes local vs. cloud folders with built-in status. For OneDrive users, you’ll notice the address bar now contains your OneDrive sync status and quota flyout.
As is common with Windows Insider builds, not all Dev Channel Insiders will see these updates right away, as “we plan to monitor feedback and see how it lands before pushing it out to everyone.”
Dynamic Lighting
With this build, Microsoft is beginning to adopt the open HID LampArray standard for native control of lighting devices.
By adopting an open standard, and by working with our OEM and ODM partners, Microsoft seeks to improve the RGB device and software ecosystem for users by increasing interoperability of devices and apps. Included are APIs for Windows apps to control devices from the background and foreground, as well as a page in Windows Settings for users to customize how their devices behave.
A number of device manufacturers are partnering with Microsoft on Dynamic Lighting, you can check out the blog post for a list.
Changes and improvements
Included with this build are a couble of changes/improvements, including the rollout of a feature that will detect if you’re not interacting with notification toasts and prompt you to to turn them off if you’re not, and the inclusion of Emoji 15 designs.
As usual, there are a number of fixes and known issues, be sure to check out the blog post for all the details.
