Microsoft has began testing a brand new gamepad keyboard structure in Home windows 11 that’s designed for Xbox controllers. The gamepad keyboard structure improves the on-screen keyboard in Home windows 11, so you should use an Xbox controller to sort or navigate across the OS.
The gamepad keyboard is now in testing as a part of the beta channel for Home windows 11 and even consists of button accelerators so you should use the X button for backspace, the Y button for spacebar, and the menu button on an Xbox controller to hit enter. The keyboard keys have additionally been vertically aligned, so it’s simpler to sort with a controller.
It’s encouraging to see Microsoft add a function like this, significantly as Home windows-powered handheld units want most of these enhancements. I wrote final month that Microsoft is now in a handheld gaming PC race towards Valve because the Steam Deck maker will get able to capitalize on its SteamOS work and produce it to extra Home windows-powered handhelds.
Microsoft nonetheless wants to deal with basic items, like not with the ability to log into Home windows with a controller or not getting the on-screen keyboard whenever you faucet into textual content fields. Hopefully, this new gamepad keyboard is a step in the suitable route, however we nonetheless must see much more.