14 DAY TRIAL // The latest Windows 10 preview build introduces an updated Segoe UI font, with Microsoft explaining that it’s supposed to replace the classic Segoe in a way that makes more sense on modern-generation devices.
Officially called Segoe UI Variable, the new font is a better choice for devices of all sizes, as it uses an optical axis that allows it to scale to both small and large displays.
“Historically, fonts for printing small text were designed differently than fonts designed for large display text. Segoe UI was originally designed to work at 9pt, which makes it a great font for that size, but limits expression at large sizes and lacks legibility at even smaller sizes. Segoe UI Variable solves this by using a new version of Segoe that uses variable font technology to dynamically offer great legibility at very small sizes, and style at large sizes,” Microsoft explains.
The new font is already available in Windows 10 build 21376, which can be downloaded by users in the Dev channel.
Possibly part of the Sun Valley overhaul
But on the other hand, despite the font being bundled with the operating system, it’ll take a while to show up in all parts of the interface, Microsoft explains.
“While Segoe UI Variable is included as part of the OS, its adoption across all the visual surface areas is ongoing and will roll out progressively over time. This means not every visual surface is utilizing the new font just yet,” it says.
The latest preview build also includes improvements for the Connect app icon to align with the latest visual overhaul, as well as updates for the Segoe UI Historic font to add Bamum Unicode range support.
In case you’re wondering when the new font could go live for all users, Microsoft hasn’t shared an ETA, but there’s a good chance it’ll happen in the fall of 2021 feature update.