14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft will launch a Spotlight-like app launcher for Windows 10 as soon as the next month, according to a roadmap shared by the company recently, so it’s now looking for an official name for use for this release.
Currently codenamed PowerLauncher, the new app launcher, which works separately from the Start menu in Windows 10, is part of the modern version of PowerToys.
Like Apple’s very own macOS Spotlight tool bundled with the OS, PowerLauncher, relies on a search box that takes the focus on the screen and allows you to search for multiple types of content, including apps and files.
The app can take control of the Windows key + R hotkey, currently used by the run dialog in the operating system, to show up on the screen at any time, regardless of what you’re doing on the device.
Launch next month
Clint Rutkas, member of the PowerToys team, took to Twitter to ask the community for help in finding a new name for the app once it goes live next month.
“Help us name our Win+R project (we call launcher internally) for Power Toys. It can do more than just launch apps so trying to be sure we have a great, straight forward name that works for everyone,” he tweeted.
The new version of PowerToys only works on Windows 10, and the May debut for the new tool aligns with the launch of a new Windows 10 feature update as well. Microsoft will introduce Windows 10 May 2020 Update next month, with the final build currently available for users enrolled in the Windows Insider program in the Release Preview ring.
This is typically the last milestone a new feature update must reach before going live for everyone, so it’s now just a matter of time until the new version lands for production systems.