Windows 11 Insider Builds: New Features in Beta & Dev Channels

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If you’ve ever imagined the Windows Insiders program as a sandbox playground for pushing exciting experimental features and bug-sniping fixes into the wild, then it’s time to grab your keyboard and buckle up, because two shiny new Windows 11 builds just dropped—Beta (22635.4805) and Dev (26120.3000).
As Microsoft keeps finessing Windows 11, they’ve ensured both insider channel users—those who play it a little safer with the Beta Channel and those daring souls testing the bleeding edge on the Dev Channel—get something to chew on. But let’s break down what’s new, what’s quirky, and why this matters.

Beta Build 22635.4805: Polishing Features for the Real World

The Beta Channel is essentially Microsoft’s way of saying, “Hey, this is almost ready for the big leagues but needs some fine-tuning.” With the 22635.4805 build, we’ve got a curated blend of updates guaranteed to make your experience smoother, smarter, and dare we say…more fun?

Highlights in the Beta Build

Here’s what’s cooking under the Beta Build hood:
  1. Snap Enhancements:
    • Microsoft introduces contextual inline messaging to Snap Layouts, reiterating their commitment to making multitasking almost effortless.
    • When you drag an app to the screen's top-middle or hover over maximize/minimize, expect a friendly nudge teaching you how to snap apps and discover helpful keyboard shortcuts.
    What’s in it for you?
    If you often feel like your windows have a mind of their own, these tips and reminders might just make you a multitasking wizard.
  2. Gamepad-Friendly Keyboard Layout:
    • Returning after a brief hiatus, the touch keyboard’s gamepad layout makes its comeback.
    • Custom-built for Xbox controllers, it sports aligned keys and nifty accelerators like using the "X button" for Backspace or "Y" for Spacebar.
    Translation: Whether controlling your PC from your couch or communicating in your favorite dungeon-crawling game, typing gets easier.
  3. Narrator's Smarter Shortcuts (Scan Mode):
    • Accessibility improves as Narrator learns some new tricks:
      • Quickly jump to specific list items (press “I”).
      • Navigate to document start or finish with “Comma (,)” and “Period (.)”.
    This is huge for navigating mammoth-sized emails, index-heavy wiki pages, or long articles (like this one).
  4. Settings Love for Gamers:
    • Game Pass members can now invite their friends to enjoy a trial Game Pass subscription—more social points for early adopters!

Dev Build 26120.3000: The Wild West of Experimentation

Unlike the more polished Beta builds, the Dev Channel rides loose and free—filled with features that seem equal parts brilliant innovation and beta brainchild.

What’s Fresh Here?

Dev Build 26120.3000 delivers updates we didn’t know we needed but now must have. Here’s why it’s worth your attention:
  1. Revamped Battery Icons (Finally!):
    • Say goodbye to vague battery metaphors. Windows sees your cries and embraces color-coded battery indicators:
      • Green: Full and charging.
      • Yellow: Energy-saving mode triggered (20% or lower).
      • Red: Panic-inducing low battery warnings.
    Users can also toggle battery percentages right next to the icon in system settings. No more squinting at the taskbar just to know if you need a charger.
  2. Gamepad Keyboard (Revisited):
    • Yep, the exhilarating new layout from Beta makes its crossover here too. (Time to grab that Xbox controller again.)
  3. Search on Taskbar Updates:
    • Enhanced support for web search providers—probably one of the smallest but most understated steps for a smoother browser-PC link.
  4. Deprecating Suggested Actions:
    • Remember when Windows tried urging you to act on phone numbers or dates you copied? Gone. Dead. Goodbye. Microsoft has started slowly kicking "Suggested Actions" to the curb.
  5. Bug Fixes Galore:
    • File Explorer issues? Fixed.
    • Cloud file thumbnails vanishing like it's Black Friday? Fixed.
    • Scanners being moody? Fixed.

Why These Builds Matter: Bigger Picture

Now, before you just shrug and think, “Oh yeah, more Windows tinkering,” let’s connect the dots. Microsoft is doing more than fiddling with features—they’re reshaping the way people interact with technology. Here’s why you should care:
  1. Enhanced Accessibility: With Narrator updates and improved scan mode, navigation becomes easier for users with disabilities. This keeps Windows 11 on its trajectory to being more inclusive.
  2. Casual Couch Computing: The rise of gamepad-compatible UI changes implies PC culture shifting toward console-like convenience. Think about laying on the sofa, Xbox controller in hand, and effortlessly swapping between Netflix, Twitch, and even your email drafts.
  3. Ecosystem Synergy: Game Pass tweaks and battery optimizations suggest Microsoft is hyper-focused on streamlining your ecosystem—be it between your phone, Xbox, and PC.

Quick Tips for Insiders: How to Try These Features

If you’re enrolled in the Beta or Dev Channels and itching to test these features:
  • Ensure Your PC is Ready:
    • Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates.
    • Pro tip: Insiders in the Dev Channel experience the bleeding-edge (with bugs), while Beta offers a more refined experience.
  • Play with Snap Layouts:
    • Drag an app to the center top of your screen until the Snap Bar appears.
  • Master Narrator Scan Mode:
    • Turn it on with Win + Ctrl + Enter.
    • Activate Scan Mode: Caps Lock + Space.
    • Shortcut your way through lists (press I) or tables (try ,/.).

What’s Next for Windows Insiders?

Like any tech odyssey, this is just one stepping stone for the Windows ecosystem. Microsoft heavily relies on Insider feedback—so don’t be shy about diving into the Feedback Hub (Win + F). Love the battery icon change? Hate the deprecation of Suggested Actions? Speak up!
Windows 11 is evolving to be more adaptive, smarter, and better connected, whether you’re a hardcore productivity fiend or low-key gaming in battery saver mode. Keep those updates rolling, and maybe, just maybe, one day we’ll all boot into a perfect OS utopia—but until then, these builds make the wait worthwhile.

Let’s Talk Windows 11!

What’s your take on these new beta and dev features? Thrilled to see Gamepad typing advancements? Or skeptical about whether Snap Layout reminders are even necessary? Drop your thoughts below! The insider forums are waiting to hear your verdict.

Source: Plaffo Windows 11: Disponibile una nuova build per gli Insider | Beta (22635.4805) e Dev (26120.3000)
 

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