Microsoft
We’ve heard rumors for some time about a significant visual update planned for Windows 10 in 2021 under the code name “Sun Valley”. These rumors picked up a little more steam this morning when the latest Windows reporter, Mayank Parmar, saw a Microsoft job announcement in October that offered candidates for senior software engineers the opportunity to “offer a comprehensive visual rejuvenation of Windows experiences to signal [that] Windows IS BACK. “
Shortly after Parmar published a report on the list, Microsoft edited it to remove the interesting parts – now it looks like a list of standard software engineer jobs, offering the opportunity to “build delicious, refined experiences for Windows” without saying anything about the changes that will occur Windows.
What we know about Sun Valley so far
Sun Valley is rumored to be a major overhaul of the UI code that should take place on Windows 10 21H2 – the build that will be released in the second half of 2021. To be clear, the “rumors” part means exactly what it says – so far , it is just rumors, with several sources, but without confirmation from Microsoft.
Zac Bowden of WindowsCentral published an article about Sun Valley in October, with information mysteriously attributed to “sources”. Mary Jo Foley, of ZDNet, said her unidentified contacts confirmed the existence of the project – and she saw engineering references to a “Windows 10 ++” scheduled for next fall – but Microsoft’s official response was a cold lack of confirmation:
It is not new for Microsoft to provide some Windows features through cumulative updates. We have nothing more to share.
New UI elements in Microsoft Store apps
While we don’t really know what Sun Valley will bring – aside from rumors of reintegrating mobile and desktop experiences – recent updates to some apps on the Microsoft Store seem to solidify these rumors a bit.
The latest update to the Alarms and Clocks app demonstrates some new UI elements, including a card preview for upcoming alarms and subtly rounded rectangles on those cards. This is an evolution of the existing Fluent Design motif, not a complete overhaul, and we expect Sun Valley to offer similar changes throughout the Windows 10 visual experience.
The new head of Microsoft’s Windows division – ex-VP Panos Panay do Surface –said he wants to make customers “need Windows to love Windows” and establish a visual update that appeals to younger users or those more focused on design, without alienating more conservative users and fearing change, will be the key to this eyesight.