Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 preview build 25300, currently available on the Dev Channel for Windows Insiders. As usual, the company has issued an official changelog. However, there are some features that are still hidden. One of them is the new Gallery for the File Explorer. Another interesting change seems to indicate Microsoft is going to move away from DirectUI.
To replace DirectUI, Microsoft will turn to XAML. These features are visible in the new Windows App SDK File Explorer. Specifically, the new Gallery is built on XAML and not DirectUI.
This is a very early take on it, so the XAML-based implementation is not working properly and can crash.
Because of that, it is probably not worth using it just yet. Microsoft has kept it hidden for a reason and is still working on the switch. So, it is best to wait for the company to stabilize and offer an official announcement.
Hidden within build 25300 is something Longhorn's shell designers wished to one day see in production — a XAML based photo gallery right inside File Explorer. Not as flashy as Phodeo, but I'd say it still counts. Has a timeline scrollbar & configurable photo source list. pic.twitter.com/Nbdqjm65pa
— Albacore (@thebookisclosed) February 19, 2023
It seems the new Gallery for File Explorer feature will be much more like a proper gallery, showing larger images instead of just small thumbnails.
It will also offer more functionality, such as being able to sort through images in a timeline. It will also allow users to customize which photos they see. It also has a search function, but it does not seem to be an image search.
Windows 11 Build 25300
As for the official side of Windows 11 Build 25300, it gets the following new features:
“[Snap layouts]
We are trying out different treatments for snap layouts with Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel. We are investigating ways to improve the discoverability and usage of the snap layouts such as decreasing the hover time required to invoke the flyout when you mouse over the maximum/restore button in an app’s title bar.
[Voice typing]
The change to sync voice typing settings, Automatic punctuation and Voice typing launcher, across all devices signed in using the same Microsoft account that began rolling out with Build 25227 is now available to all Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel. You can toggle this feature via Settings > Accounts > Windows backup > Remember my preferences > Accessibility.”
Tip of the day: Whether it’s for a presentation, song, or YouTube video, at some point in your life you’ll need to record audio from your computer. Windows 11 has multiple options to record sound due to its litany of apps. In our tutorial, we show you how to record audio using the built-in Windows 10 Voice Recorder and the freeware audio editor Audacity.
