Earlier this week, I reported on Microsoft documentation that provides info on developers creating custom widgets. As expected, that did mean the company was close to bringing third party widgets to Windows 11. Just a few days later, Microsoft has done that with a new Windows 11 2022 Update (22H2) preview update that also adds video call tools for Microsoft Teams.
This is part of Windows 11 Preview Build 25217. Because this is a Windows 11 2022 Update preview, it should come to the platform in wide release in the coming weeks or months. Microsoft is currently rolling out the full build 2022 Update to the masses.
With the widget change, third party developers can build their own widgets for the Windows 11 widgets panel. When they pass the testing phase locally on the Insider Program, these widgets will be available through the Microsoft Store.
Widget development is currently limited to packaging in Win32, with support for Progressive Web App (PWA) widgets planned for Microsoft Edge 108 in the coming months.
At Build 2022, Microsoft announced it would eventually allow third-party developers to create their own custom Windows 11 widgets.
Microsoft Teams Video Feature
Also in this latest Windows 11 preview, Microsoft is adding a new video calling feature in Chat on Microsoft Teams. Now, when users open Chat on the taskbar, there is a preview of your video feed on display.
This allows users to make adjustments to appearance and background before entering a chat. Microsoft says this preview is limited to a subset of users but will become widely available in the coming months.
Tip of the day: When using your Windows 10 laptop or convertible with a mobile hotspot you might want to limit the Internet bandwidth your PC uses. In our tutorial we are showing you how to set up a metered connection in Windows 11 or Windows 10 and how to turn it off again, if needed.
