Earlier in January, Microsoft revealed the design changes for Windows 10 that users can expect from upcoming its UI upgrade. This minor update that builds on the current Windows 10 UI will focus on animations, simplicity, and consistency. Being termed as ‘Project Neon,’ this will further pull in Windows 7’s Aero Glass for integrating it with animations. Today, Microsoft took the wraps off the mentioned “Project NEON” at the Windows Developer Day event.
The project debuted showing off a screenshot of the redesigned Groove Music app in the Project NEON. The screenshot displayed a slide in order to reveal Microsoft’s vision for Windows ‘Redstone’. Moreover, Microsoft will introduce a new feature known as ‘Acrylic’. It is a part of the company’s new UI design language which will blur the sidebar, navigation or the background of the app. It will allow a user to focus on the project as well as enhance the design outlook.
Though the company didn’t dispense much info, it is the first time Microsoft doled out the specifications for an internal project. Moreover, the company is expected to lend further details about Project NEON at Build 2017 conference. The said conference is important otherwise too as Microsoft will discuss its next Windows 10 update at the event (expected to ship by end of this year). Redmond will roll out the design changes along with the Redstone 3 launch, likely later this year.
Previously, Microsoft demoed a Conscious UI in the Groove Music app. The app preview showed Side-Nav Acrylic changes. Another demo displayed a blurred sidebar inside of Outlook Mail and Calendar app. This surely speaks of consistency, Microsoft is planning to bring with the Project Neon.
The project will also focus on 3D and HoloLens interactions. The backgrounds for the apps will change depending on user interaction tools. There is a lot more Microsoft is designing and developing internally which will be revealed only at the time of the release of the upgrade. We will have to keep our eyes peeled for more updates on this front.
