Apple’s recent introduction of the Liquid Glass design has sparked a flurry of opinions online, marking a significant visual transformation for iOS, the likes of which we haven’t seen in over ten years. While some celebrate this change, others argue that it draws uncomfortable parallels to Windows Vista—a chapter many would prefer to forget.
In a creative twist, a designer associated with the YouTube channel AR 4789 has envisioned a potential future for Windows 12, adopting a philosophy reminiscent of the Liquid Glass aesthetics. Their video titled Windows 12.2: The Next Evolution presents a conceptual preview of what could be Microsoft’s latest operating system. Throughout the video, the influence of Liquid Glass is subtly evident, despite not being explicitly mentioned.
Let’s embark on a detailed exploration of this design concept and evaluate whether Microsoft should consider these ideas for their future OS.
Initial Setup and User Experience
The initial setup of this mockup mirrors the current Windows installation process, yet it offers a visually stunning upgrade. Users will notice fluid transitions between setup screens, presenting a fresh and modern user interface—far removed from the remnants of Windows 7.
A noteworthy enhancement is the revamped wallpaper selection during setup, allowing users to personalize their experience early on, rather than waiting until later.
However, I did spot a few flaws in the setup process presented in the video. There are noticeable typographical errors and instances of poor grammar, which, while understandable for a concept mockup, would need rectification by a company as prominent as Microsoft before the final release.
Another inconsistency was the placement of the Skip button when adding a second keyboard layout, which might confuse users due to its unconventional positioning compared to other options.
Navigating the Desktop and File Explorer
Beyond the wallpaper, the default desktop resembles that of Windows 11. A design element that stands out is the taskbar’s altered position, spanning the screen’s width but not fixed at the bottom, providing a more contemporary look.
On the downside, the desktop icons possess an unappealing border that detracts from the overall aesthetic, reminiscent of generic icon packs lacking customization.
The Start Menu, akin to Windows 10’s version, retains the divisive live tiles feature—which I find preferable to Windows 11’s layout. File Explorer maintains its foundation from Windows 11 with minimal adjustments to harmonize with the updated design language, although its loading speed certainly brings back memories of frustration for those using older machines.
A distinctive feature in the window management is the circular button for maximizing windows, replacing the traditional square icon. This change is neither negative nor positive but noteworthy. Its limitation lies in the icon not transforming after the window is maximized, leading to potential confusion, contrasting with Windows 11’s design where a different icon indicates the restored state.
Settings and Customization
The Settings app incorporates an address bar, enhancing navigability amid the extensive variety of options. Given the myriad items housed within the Settings, maintaining orientation can be quite challenging.
The animation transitioning between light and dark modes feels refreshingly smooth, and the design of the green and blue wallpaper looks sleek, surpassing the aesthetics of Windows 11.
Moreover, the revamped Start Menu search is less cluttered, offering a streamlined view that echoes the simplicity achieved when disabling web results on Windows 11. The one-click theme customization feature that allows users to easily adopt a Windows 7 aesthetic is an appealing addition.
It’s also worth noting that the ability to have different themes on separate virtual desktops could greatly improve workspace organization—although it remains unlikely that Microsoft would implement such varied customization options in favor of promoting their latest designs.
The options for taskbar personalization, including Compact and Mini modes, offer creative flexibility. Additionally, the ability to drag widgets directly onto the desktop is a welcome feature not available in Windows 11.
The transition to the lock screen is elegant, although the existing design does not energize—maintaining similarities to Windows 11 and lacking innovation. The clutter of promotional content, such as Copilot and irrelevant stock data, detracts from the experience.
Is This the Direction for Windows’ Future?
When evaluating the overall visual design of this mockup, it appears more cohesive compared to the somewhat fragmented aesthetics of Windows 11. While it does not present groundbreaking innovations, the mockup creates a more visually appealing user experience.
This design preview does not cover legacy utilities like Control Panel or Disk Management, which likely wouldn’t adopt the Liquid Glass aesthetic. Although installing a visual pack to replicate this look may not hold much appeal to me, several elements showcased here seem like worthwhile advancements to consider for the next iteration of Windows.
I’m curious about your thoughts on this: Should Microsoft consider leveraging this designer’s insights for the development of Windows 12, or should they explore an entirely different approach? Your opinion matters—join the discussion!
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