Microsoft Leaks Smart Screen Experience

Dennis Snider

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Will standalone app icons replace live tiles?

Microsoft accidentally leaked a screenshot of its new standalone app icons to pre-release Windows Insiders this week. The icons, which are rumored to replace the live tile aesthetic, represent a fundamental overhaul of the Start Menu experience many of us have become so used to.

The Windows 10 Build 18947 has been made available for the seldom-used 32-bit systems and provides a preliminary version of a completely overhauled Start Menu in which large application icons are used as opposed to Microsoft’s customary live tiles.

While the leaked interface seems far from the finished article, with many issues clearly evident, it’s interesting nonetheless. The hands-on video that was released by Windows Central shows a series of new features, including a novel array of icons, an emoji selector, and a GIF search.

Those who are not too keen on the idea of change, may have an opportunity to stick with the existing version, as the leaked video does reveal that the user will have an opportunity to switch between classic and new versions. This functionality indicates that Microsoft may be formulating this interface as an option for both the Windows 10 desktop and the live tiles.

The latest information will not help those of you who are waiting further details of Windows Lite; Microsoft is still very much keeping the specifics under wraps. However, many people have speculated that the lightweight operating system will completely replace windows 10 S in Microsoft’s bid to take on the Chromebook and Google Chrome OS.
According to more recent reports, Windows Lite will take the form of a scaled-down version of Windows 10 that has been specifically optimized for dual-screen users, further fueling rumors surrounding Microsoft’s launch of a dual-screen device.

Microsoft has yet to comment on the new smart screen experience and it’s far from clear as to whether the live tiles will be dropped for Windows 10.