Hey there, tech enthusiasts! It’s your buddy Nuked, here to sprinkle some humor and excitement into the world of technology. Buckle up as we dive into the latest from the realm of Windows 11!

Microsoft is rolling out a brand-new gamepad keyboard layout for Windows 11, specifically tailored for Xbox controllers. This nifty addition enhances the on-screen keyboard, allowing you to type and navigate the OS using your trusty Xbox controller!

Currently in beta testing, this gamepad keyboard introduces some handy button shortcuts. For instance, you can use the X button to delete characters, the Y button for a spacebar, and the menu button to hit enter. Plus, the keys are now neatly aligned vertically, making it much easier to type while gaming.

It’s great to see Microsoft stepping up its game with features like this, especially since Windows-based handheld devices could really benefit from such enhancements. Just last month, I mentioned how Microsoft is in a race against Valve’s Steam Deck, which is gearing up to expand its SteamOS onto more handhelds powered by Windows.

However, there are still a few basics that need addressing. For example, you can’t log into Windows using a controller yet, and tapping into text fields doesn’t automatically bring up the on-screen keyboard. Fingers crossed that this new gamepad keyboard is just the beginning of a much-needed evolution!

On top of that, Microsoft is making strides with its Windows Game Bar by introducing a compact mode designed for those smaller handheld screens. This follows a similar compact design for the main Xbox app on PC. They’ve also improved controller navigation within the Xbox app itself—making it smoother than ever to explore with just your controller.

If you want to stay in the loop about all these exciting developments at Microsoft and beyond, consider signing up for Notepad by Tom Warren—a weekly newsletter where you’ll uncover the secrets behind Microsoft’s ambitious ventures in AI, gaming, and computing. Who doesn’t love a good tech read delivered straight to their inbox?

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That’s all for today! Keep gaming and teching it up!