If there are two things Microsoft is trying with Windows 11, under the guidance of Panos Panay that is to say, is the focus on streamlining the user interface and refreshing the bundled apps with the OS.
We continue to get a taste of what’s cooking with the former, but things on the other side of the fence are no less exciting.
In recent months, several of these inbox apps have been given a new look and new features. Paint, Photos, and Notepad are the more notable ones, but it is clear that the Redmond-based company wants to use the opportunity provided by the new OS to make its bundled applications as modern as possible.
The story continues with the Sound Recorder app, which is set to replace the handy Voice Recorder app that has been available since the Windows 10 era.
This new application borrows its visual design from WinUI, complete with rounded corners and an included dark mode. But added functionality is also part and parcel of this new software, like a new graph to better understand the frequency of your recorded audio.
It is also possible to change the file format within the Sound Recorder. Previously, users were only allowed to modify this outside the application.
You also have new visualizations for audio during records and placement.
Additionally, thanks to the new feature set, it is also now possible to change the recording device. Naturally, this only works when your device is connected to multiple audio hardware. It is a good option for those who have multiple mics lying around.
Microsoft has confirmed that the updated Sound Recorder will replace Voice Recorder when it is released to the general public later this year. The company is currently testing out the features and looking for feedback and suggestions in the Feedback Hub.
