- Windows 11’s rumor handheld mode has been seen in test
- However, it is still hidden in the background of preview buildings
- This is a tip that Microsoft is stepping on the gas with development, perhaps to get this state ready for the launch of the ASUS XBOX Ally
Windows 11’s handheld state could arrive faster than we thought, based on clues that were dug up in a recent preview of the operating system.
A handheld mode would be designed to use Windows 11 on a portable gaming system – such as the incoming ASUS ROG Xbox Ally – transform the interface into something more convenient into a compact screen (and gamepad controls rather than the mouse).
A regular delicious on X, Phantomofearth, just discovered what seems to be the initial setup experience for Windows 11 on a handheld that you can see in the post below.
This was found in Preview Build 26100,4762 in Windows 11, which arrived in the release test last week (the final phase before the finished version of us).
Windows latest discovered the above post, and also did something of its own in other preview-built (in Dev Channel, a previous test outlets) that revealed references to a GamePad-optimized interface. (As well as a ‘cloud host environment’ for a ‘GamePad-based device’ that triggers the said interface to be used, catering for PAD-based controls and buttons).
Another denizen of x in that thread also observes that there are references in the code of Windows 11 to ‘gaming handheld’, which everyone indicates that there is a lot of work that is currently being plumbing in the gut on desktop us to facilitate a new handheld experience.
Analysis: Steps on the gas
There has been a lot of dissatisfaction about game handhelds using Windows 11 because the design of us often does not fit a smaller screen, as mentioned. Elements that are fine and work well on a large desktop monitor can be commonly fiddly on a handheld display, and in general Windows 11 can be painful compared to the experience provided by Steamos (like Sports a interface designed for portable games).
A dedicated handheld state to Windows 11 smoothing over many of the problems inherent with us in this form factor has long been rumored and it seems that it is coming closer and closer now.
Not surprisingly, Microsoft seems to set his foot on the gas pedal, considering that Asus Xbox Ally is expected to arrive later in the year (however, notes that no release date has not yet been sent).
I’m glad to see how this new interface plays mildly – and Microsoft has already worked to make Windows 11 more functional on a handheld with changes in the Xbox app and Game Bar.
While the code found above is in the publishing test, which, as mentioned, is one step before release, remember that it is still hidden in the background, so do not expect an impending arrival.
We should start seeing more pieces of the puzzle fall into place (in testing) soon enough, long before the Asus Xbox Ally arrives (hopefully with not too much price tag, though rumors are not favorable on this score).
