Now, this information has been confirmed by Zac Bowden for Windows Central, who has given us more context and shared with us a recreation of what this design would actually look like.
First of all, you must take into account that this is a very preliminary design, still subject to many changes. We are talking about what is probably a Design idea for Windows 12 (2024). There’s still a long time, calm down.
Windows 12: the search for balance
As we can see, the main lines of what Microsoft intends are confirmed: lighten taskbar. Those of Redmond pretend that this mythical element of Windows is detached from the tray iconquick settings, and date and time information.
And what would happen to these elements? Very easy: would go to the top. The widget panel would open from the top left, search would be in the top center, and the date and time and quick settings (including notifications) would be on the right.
Bowden has also shared a vertical image where we are offered another alternative of this design, which shows those elements of the upper part under a translucent bar that would help their identification and visibility in all scenarios.
Microsoft’s idea with this redesign would be continue to favor the usability of touch devices but without hurting desktop users. They want to redeem themselves from their past and finally offer an operating system that is the perfect balance between the two worlds. Will they get it? Time will tell, but these concepts will give a lot to talk about in the coming days.