PCWorld featured the major changes in the Windows 11 Quality Update, aka Moment 2, in ‘Top 10 Major Changes in Windows 11 Feature Updates’, from “Bing Chat integration to the tabs of the Notepad”. Changes like AI tools for Qualcomm-based PCs, a finely tuned Teams chat experience, Facebook widgets, and improved tablet behavior are welcomed by limited users. Here are five new features that any casual user will love.
A search box that quickly connects to Bingchat
Microsoft expands AI-powered Bingchat app. After unveiling the new BingChat with ChatGPT just a few weeks ago, it quickly made it available to Bing and Edge mobile users. Bingchat is now integrated into the new Windows 11 taskbar search box. However, you must sign up for a Bing AI experience before using it.
Vacation planning and meal prepping using Bingchat is good, but personally, I’m very happy that the search box I’ve always used in Windows 10 is back in Windows 11. In Windows 11, the method of hitting the search button and opening a separate system search window was cumbersome and inconvenient. Even for users who are not interested in Bingchat, the return of the search box is a great help for the daily use of Windows 11.
Notepad made more useful with tabs
Microsoft adds tabs to each item. If this trend continues, Stardock’s Groupy, which organizes all open windows into tabs, may one day become obsolete. The persistent request from aficionados to add tabs to Windows File Explorer finally came to fruition in Windows 11 in late 2022. In this quality update, tabs are also applied to Notepad, which has a long history.
For those unaware, the notebook also supports dark mode from last year’s update.
iPhone support in “Connect with your phone” app
Android users have long been able to control their smartphones with a telephony and connectivity app. Apple’s regulations are strict, so the iPhone, which was not supported in the meantime, is now. It was only available to Windows Insider Program participants, but it finally made it to the Windows 11 March Quality Update and should be released soon.
If you connect your PC and your iPhone, you can send and receive calls and texts immediately, but there are many disadvantages due to Apple’s rules. If you want to use iMessage on Windows, you might be more comfortable with Intel’s Unison app instead of its own feature. However, the Unison app is only available on Intel PCs, so AMD Ryzen users should expect a lot from their phones and connectivity apps.
Capture tool that even supports recording
Windows’ long-established Snipping Tool excels at taking quick screenshots, but other than that it lacks features. However, with Windows 11 March 2023 Quality Update, the ability to record videos was finally added. Clicking the newly added record button in the capture tool will start capturing video and clicking it again will end the recording. Clips created this way are saved in the default folder. Very useful for solving a problem with Windows or explaining a procedure.
“Energy recommendations” to reduce the carbon footprint
Electricity prices are shockingly skyrocketing. My electricity bill has almost doubled since last year, and the situation in Europe is even worse. In response, Windows 11 introduced “energy recommendations” to protect the environment and reduce the cost burden on users.
You can view the suggested settings in “Settings > System > Power & battery > Power recommendations”. You can apply them step by step or all at once with the click of a button. Instead of doing all the recommended actions (I personally hate auto-brightness), a little helps. After having tried the main Windows 11 updates myself, I have concluded that the energy recommendations are the protagonists of this version.
Here are five new Windows 11 features power users shouldn’t miss. There are many other great features in this release, so check out our full Windows 11 March 2023 Quality Update article.
editor@itworld.co.kr
