Windows 10 gets a new Photos application designed for Windows 11

Los usuarios de Windows 10 pronto podrán disfrutar de una aplicación Fotos renovada inspirada en la versión de Windows 11. Microsoft ha anunciado que está lanzando una nueva actualización para la aplicación Fotos en Windows 10 que traerá una nueva apariencia, así como algunas características y mejoras nuevas.

The new Photos app in Windows 10 will have a simplified interface that will make it easier to navigate and edit your photos and videos. You will be able to access your albums, collections, favorites and folders from the left sidebar and use the toolbar at the top to quickly perform common actions such as cropping, rotating, enhancing or sharing. You will also be able to switch between light and dark modes and customize the application settings according to your preferences.

One of the most notable changes in the new Photos app is the introduction of a new viewing mode called «Immersive Viewer». This mode allows you to view your photos and videos in full screen, without distractions or controls. You can swipe left or right to navigate your media or use the arrow keys on your keyboard. You can also zoom in or out with the mouse wheel or touchpad, or use the pinch gesture on touch screens. To exit Immersive Viewer mode, you can press the Esc key or click the X button in the upper right corner.

Another new feature of the new Photos app is the ability to create and edit videos with music, text, filters and effects. You can select multiple photos and videos from your library and then click the «Create» button in the upper right corner to start creating your video. You can choose from various themes and styles, add transitions and animations, trim and split clips, adjust speed and volume, and more. You can also add your own music from your PC or from Microsoft’s royalty-free song library. Once you’re done with your video, you can save it to your PC or share it with others via email, social networks or OneDrive.

The new Photos app in Windows 10 is designed to work seamlessly with Windows 11, which is expected to be released later this year. If you upgrade to Windows 11, you will be able to use the same Photos app on both operating systems and enjoy a consistent and familiar experience. You will also be able to take advantage of some unique Windows 11 features, such as Snap Layouts and Snap Groups, which allow you to organize multiple windows on your screen with ease.

The new Photos app in Windows 10 is currently available to some users enrolled in the Windows Insider program. Microsoft plans to roll out the update to all Windows 10 users in the coming weeks. To check if you have the new Photos app on your PC, you can open the app and go to Settings > About. If you see «Version 2021.21070» or higher, you have the new Photos app. Otherwise, you can wait for the update to arrive automatically or check for updates manually in Microsoft Store.

It’s great to know that Windows 10 users are also benefiting from these improvements and enhancements to their photo management experience.

Here’s a summary of the key changes and features of the new Photos app for Windows 10:

1. **Redesigned interface:

The Photos application has received a redesigned interface that makes it more intuitive and easier to use. This redesign is in line with the interface seen in Windows 11, providing a consistent experience across both operating systems.

2. **Navigation panel:

The navigation panel has been moved to the left side of the application. This change should make it easier for users to access their photos, including those stored on OneDrive and local folders.

3. **Improved controls:

The application offers enhanced controls for sorting, filtering and resizing thumbnail previews. This allows users to customize how they view their photos and find the images they are looking for more efficiently.

4. **Rounded corners:

The application thumbnail previews now have rounded corners, giving the interface a modern and visually appealing look.

5. **Canvas characteristics**:

The new version of the Photos app provides enhanced canvas features that allow users to interact with their photos in more ways. These features are likely to allow for better image manipulation and customization.

6. **Automatic update**:

The new version of the Photos app is available to Windows 10 users as an automatic update from the Microsoft Store. This ensures that users receive the latest improvements without manual intervention.

It is clear that Microsoft is focusing on delivering a consistent and improved user experience across all of its operating systems. The improvements to the Photos app should help Windows 10 users better manage and enjoy their photo collections. Users interested in these changes can wait for the automatic update from the Microsoft Store to start using the new version of the Photos app on their Windows 10 devices.

It is helpful to know the specific changes and features that have been introduced. Here’s a breakdown of the new features and missing configurations you mentioned:

1. **Search function**:

The addition of a search function similar to that found in the Microsoft Store app is a valuable enhancement. This allows users to quickly search for specific photos within their collections, making it easier to locate and access images.

2. **Redesigned configuration page:

The redesigned settings page with a new organization should contribute to a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. This reorganization is likely intended to make it easier for users to customize their preferences and manage application settings.

3. **Missing configurations**:

a. **iCloud Photo Support**:

It is unfortunate that the Windows 10 version of the Photos app does not include support for iCloud Photos. This feature, available in the Windows 11 version, allows users to access their iCloud Photos library directly from within the app. Users who rely heavily on iCloud for their photos may miss out on this integration.

b. **HEVC video extensions**:

The lack of support for High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) video extensions means that users will not have the option to manage and view HEVC encoded videos within the application. This format is known for its efficient compression and higher quality, so this omission could be limiting for users working with HEVC videos.

While the new version of the Photos app for Windows 10 brings many improvements and aligns it more closely with the Windows 11 release, the missing features you mentioned could affect certain users who rely on iCloud Photos integration or work with HEVC-encoded videos. It is always beneficial for users to stay informed about these changes and consider how they might affect their individual workflows and needs.