# Handheld Computer Interfaces Early Information Suggests a Handheld UI is Coming to Windows 11 By Colin Smith | Published 2023-04-14 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handheld-mode References: [theverge](https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/13/23681492/microsoft-windows-handheld-mode-gaming-xbox-steam-deck) & [twitter](https://twitter.com/_h0x0d_/status/1646339289230483458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1646339289230483458%7Ctwgr%5E240a086efcbc74e2c72ad9a581e8e983e5a3a129%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2023%2F4%2F13%2F23681492%2Fmicrosoft-windows-handheld-mode-gaming-xbox-steam-deck)  An informative post on Twitter from a known leaker showcased a new interface on a handheld device running Windows 11. This interface was not a custom third-party frontend, but was instead a new interface for Windows 11 itself. This post strongly suggests that, in lieu of the recent boom in Handheld PCs from the likes of Valve, GPD, [One-Netbook](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onexplayer-2), Ayaneo, and now ASUS, [Microsoft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rog-xbox-ally) is working on improving its Windows 11 support for these devices, as not to lose out to Linux-based operating systems like Valve's SteamOS. The interface showcased in the video demonstrates that Windows 11 can be conveniently navigated with a controller, given the right menu layout. The apps and services available on Windows 11 are divided into large tiles and sub-menus similar to the layout of a Nintendo Switch or [PlayStation 5](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smach-z). Additionally, when launching a tile that requires precise mouse movements, the joystick on the controller functions as an emulated mouse cursor, making navigation easy. Image Credit: h0x0d ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 15% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Handheld PC Integration:** Microsoft improving its Windows 11 support for handheld PCs presents an opportunity for integration of these devices for improved usability and increased productivity. - **Controller-based Navigation:** The controller-based navigation seen in the showcased Windows 11 interface suggests potential for development of new interfaces and apps that work effectively with handheld devices and controllers. - **Competition with Linux:** The increasing popularity of Linux-based operating systems for handheld devices such as Valve's SteamOS could motivate Microsoft to develop disruptive innovation strategies to regain market share in the handheld PC space. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Consumer Electronics:** The development of better handheld interfaces for Windows 11 presents opportunities for companies in the consumer electronics industry to create new and innovative devices that are more user-friendly. - **Gaming:** The controller-based handheld interface seen in Windows 11 could present new gaming opportunities and advancements for the gaming industry. - **Operating Systems:** The competition between Windows 11 and Linux-based operating systems in the handheld PC space presents opportunity for innovation and development of new technologies in the operating system industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Console-Backed Handheld Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rog-xbox-ally.md) - [Portable Gaming Handhelds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/s-konkr-fit.md) - [Console-Branded Handheld PCs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asus-rog-ally-xbox.md) - [Third-Party Consolized Handhelds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/legion-go-s.md) - [Debut Handheld PCs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nanoplay-handheld-pc.md) - [Compact Handheld Gaming PCs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onexplayer-mini.md) - [Huge-Screen Handheld PCs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ayaneo-kun-2.md) - [Alternative Handheld Gaming PCs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-claw.md) - [Haptic Feedback-Enabled Handhelds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smach-z.md)