Windows 11 Update Brings Amazon Appstore Preview for Android Apps, Taskbar Improvements, More

The Amazon Appstore Preview includes over 1,000 Android apps and games.

By Nithya P Nair | Updated: 16 February 2022 11:45 IST

Windows 11 Update Brings Amazon Appstore Preview for Android Apps, Taskbar Improvements, More

Photo Credit: Microsoft

Time and date are available on multiple monitors in Windows 11

Highlights

With the latest update Microsoft is bringing Intel Bridge to Windows PCs
The update adds taskbar improvements to Windows 11
Devices with at least 8GB of RAM are eligible to download Android apps

Windows 11, the latest operating system by Microsoft, is getting support for more Android apps. The Redmond-headquartered company has joined hands with Amazon to integrate Amazon Appstore within Microsoft Store to enable downloading of more than 1,000 Android apps and games on Windows 11 PCs. The public preview of Android apps and games like Audible and Kindle will be available in Windows 11 starting Tuesday in the US. The latest Windows 11 update also comes with improvements in the taskbar. Devices running on Windows 11 will now show the clock and date on the taskbar on other monitors that are connected to the computer. Additionally, Microsoft has redesigned the Notepad and Media Player apps.

Microsoft on Tuesday announced the release of Amazon Appstore Preview in the Microsoft Store via a blog post. As mentioned, the preview giving users access to just over 1,000 apps is now available in the US. Apps mentioned in the blog post include Audible, Kindle, Subway Surfers, Lords Mobile, and Khan Academy Kids. Microsoft has partnered with Intel to use the Intel Bridge technology for offering a new category of mobile apps and games on Windows PCs.

Windows 11 PCs are required to sport at least 8GB of RAM and a solid-state drive (SSD) to use mobile apps via the Amazon Appstore Preview. The minimum processor specifications mentioned are — Intel Core i3 8th Gen, AMD Ryzen 3000, and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8c or above.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio With Slim Pen 2 Debuts in India

Users can check out the Windows 11 Amazon Appstore Preview by following these steps:

Open the Microsoft Store and get the latest update by tapping Get updates > Library.
Search for required apps or games.
Download it through the Amazon Appstore.

Along with the Amazon Appstore Preview, Microsoft is adding improvements to the taskbar. The company has modified multi-monitor functionality in Windows 11 by adding the date and time to the taskbar on other monitors. Similarly, the taskbar will show live weather content in the left-hand corner. With the latest update, Microsoft Teams customers with work or school accounts can mute/unmute and share any window directly from the taskbar. These features will initially be available in the February 2022 non-security preview release.

Additionally, users will get redesigned versions of Media Player and Notepad. The Media Player allows quick browsing with new keyboard shortcuts and access keys for users. The new Media Player app is designed to replace Groove Music. Library and playlists of users in Groove Music will migrate automatically to the new platform. Notepad app is also getting a redesigned user interface, and support for dark mode. Users can also select new features including multi-level undo, colorful emojis, and a new find-and-replace experience.

Warren Buffett's Firm Bought Activision Stake Just Before Microsoft Takeover

Windows 11 has been unveiled, but do you need it? We discussed this on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

Affiliate links may be automatically generated - see our ethics statement for details.

Comments

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Further reading: Microsoft, Windows 11, Amazon Appstore Preview, Microsoft Store, Android Apps, Windows 11 Update, Windows 11 Taskbar, Windows February Update, Notepad

Nithya P Nair

Email Nithya P Nair

Nithya P Nair is a journalist with more than five years of experience in digital journalism. She specialises in business and technology beats. A foodie at heart, Nithya loves exploring new places (read cuisines) and sneaking in Malayalam movie dialogues to spice up conversations. More