In a move that may take some users by surprise, Microsoft has announced it will be phasing out a feature in Windows 11 known as "Suggested actions." Initially introduced to enhance productivity, this function is now being deemed deprecated, leading to its eventual removal in 2025. Let's dissect this news and understand its implications for Windows users.
Despite Microsoft's aspirations to enhance Suggested actions with machine learning capabilities, the reality was far from the vision. As one user succinctly put it on the Feedback Hub, "Suggested actions on copy does not work for copying phone numbers." This feedback encapsulates the frustrations faced by users, many of whom were left wondering why the feature was introduced in the first place.
Onward and upward, Windows users! Stay tuned to your forums for updates on what features to look forward to, and continue sharing your feedback to shape a better Windows experience for everyone.
Source: Windows Latest Windows 11 is killing off a pretty nice suggestions feature, which didn’t work properly
The Rise and Fall of Suggested Actions
"Suggested actions" aimed to simplify user workflows by providing context-aware suggestions when copying specific text, such as phone numbers or dates. Imagine you're drafting an email, and after copying a date, you were prompted to create a calendar event in Outlook. Sounds handy, right? However, while the idea was enticing, the practicality left much to be desired.How It Worked – Or Didn’t
The feature relied on pattern recognition rather than artificial intelligence (AI) to guess your next action based on text selection. For instance, if you copied a phone number, Suggested actions would offer options to call or look it up online. Unfortunately, this feature often faltered, showing inconsistent performance. Users reported frequent instances where it simply failed to pop up, or worse, when it did, it led users to irrelevant suggestions or failed integrations.Despite Microsoft's aspirations to enhance Suggested actions with machine learning capabilities, the reality was far from the vision. As one user succinctly put it on the Feedback Hub, "Suggested actions on copy does not work for copying phone numbers." This feedback encapsulates the frustrations faced by users, many of whom were left wondering why the feature was introduced in the first place.
The Decision to Deprecate
Microsoft's recent update confirms that support for Suggested actions will officially come to an end with a future cumulative update in 2025. This decision underscores the harsh truth about technology: not all features, no matter how innovative they appear, can find their footing in real-world applications.What Does This Mean for Users?
- Understanding Cumulative Updates: For those unfamiliar, a cumulative update packages multiple updates into one installation, often including security updates, bug fixes, and other improvements. The removal of Suggested actions signifies that users will no longer have to deal with a glitchy feature that does not fulfill its intended purpose.
- Focus on Stability: Microsoft is likely redirecting its focus toward refining the core functionalities of Windows 11 that users find valuable. This shift means less clutter and more robust options that genuinely enhance productivity.
- User Adaptation: As Suggested actions disappears, users will need to adapt their workflows. Relying on manual actions for calendar events or looking up phone numbers will require a slight shift back to a more traditional way of working.
Broader Implication: The Quest for Innovation
As tech enthusiasts, we're often enticed by the idea of “smart” features designed to offer us convenience. However, in practice, the integration of such innovations isn't always smooth. Microsoft’s decision to axe Suggested actions serves as a lesson on the importance of user feedback in shaping the features of tomorrow.What Lies Ahead for Windows Users?
While this deprecation may feel like a setback, it’s essential to view it through a lens of opportunities. Microsoft is continuously evolving Windows 11, and other features are likely set to design smarter, more integrated experiences. Future updates may focus more on enhancing existing tools and infrastructure rather than introducing complex features that might not resonate with user habits.Conclusion: Sayonara, Suggested Actions
In summary, the removal of Suggested actions from Windows 11 marks the end of a feature that never quite made its mark. While the concept held promise, its failure to deliver consistent value reflects the ebb and flow of technological advancement. As we look toward the future, it’s a reminder that not every innovation will hit the sweet spot, and user experiences will always reign supreme in the realm of software development.Onward and upward, Windows users! Stay tuned to your forums for updates on what features to look forward to, and continue sharing your feedback to shape a better Windows experience for everyone.
Source: Windows Latest Windows 11 is killing off a pretty nice suggestions feature, which didn’t work properly