Each week there's a vast range of news related to Microsoft, Windows, and other tech we cover on the site. It's easy to miss a breaking story or review. That's where our recap comes in. Each week we'll gather together the biggest news covered here at Windows Central.
This week, we saw a hidden File Explorer inside Windows 11, got word that Android 12L is on its way to the Surface Duo, and got to review a 5G laptop from Samsung. Here are all the highlights from this week. If you prefer to catch up on your news in video form, we have you covered as well.
Microsoft will finally bring tabs to the File Explorer on Windows 11
People have requested tabs in the File Explorer on Windows for years. Microsoft was working on a feature called Sets back in 2018 that would have added tabs to the File Explorer and other apps, but it was shelved for unknown reasons. Sets isn't due to return, but Microsoft is testing out tabs in the File Explorer.
A tabbed interface in the File Explorer was discovered by Windows Insiders this week. While Microsoft did not comment on the feature, they appear to function, at least to some extent. Our senior editor Zac Bowden tried them out in his Windows 11 Build 22572 video.
Android 12L will ship to Surface Duo later this year
Android 12L is a version of the operating system that's optimized for foldables and tablets. Google shared its plans to ship Android 12L to a handful of devices at some point this year, including the Surface Duo.
"Starting later this year, we'll bring 12L to your favorite tablets and foldables with planned updates from Samsung, Lenovo and Microsoft," said Andrei Popescu, VP of engineering, Android. "And we'll continue to build more features and functionalities to help you make the most of your larger screen devices in Android 13 and beyond."
Android 12L isn't as much about adding new features for foldables as it is about enticing developers to take advantage of various form factors. With Google pushing Android 12L, developers are more likely to utilize APIs that optimize apps for dual-screen devices.
In another tidbit of Surface Duo news, the second-generation Duo saw its first price drop this week. You can now order a Surface Duo 2 starting at $1,250.
Windows Subsystem for Android gets improved for Insiders
Windows Insiders received an update this week that added H.264 video decoding, which should result in a better playback experience for high-definition video. The update also improved mail integration and made some changes related to networking. On the latest Insider build of Windows 11, scrolling should be much better when using the Windows Subsystem for Android, including navigating apps from the Amazon Appstore.
Microsoft rates poorly in repairability
Microsoft's Surface devices have gotten a bit easier to repair over the years, but the company still ranks poorly against competitors. The US Public Research Interest Group shared a report this week that included aggregate scores for repairability. Microsoft, Apple, Dell, ASUS, and other major PC manufacturers all received scores that factored in ease of repair, accessibility to parts and manuals, and if a company has lobbied against right-to-repair legislation.
Microsoft earned a D+ and sat just above Apple in the rankings. Dell, ASUS, Lenovo, and Acer all earned significantly better scores.
Microsoft lost points for its history of lobbying against right-to-repair legislation, as did Apple.
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G review
This week our executive editor Daniel Rubino shared his Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G review. With a name that long, the review is even longer, but we'll share some tidbits from it here.
The Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G features a 13.3-inch Super AMOLED display and is the most affordable 5G laptop on the market. The laptop also has the unique option to turn its fan entirely off.
"With an ultra-thin design, excellent keyboard, and OLED display, Samsung built an affordable and gorgeous 5G laptop," said Rubino.
He later added that the "laptop has a lot going for it. The build quality is outstanding, and the keyboard and trackpad are excellent. The Super AMOLED display is striking, even at Full HD."
