For Better Focusing, in Windows 11 You Can Listen to Chill Music

It’s already known that Windows 11 will not change its core features dramatically, rather focusing on backward software compatibility. Instead, its developers do their best to improve usability. Not only does it mean revamped looks, but also the sounds it makes. Now Windows has built-in tools for playing chill music. As the developers explain, it will help you to get to work on your Windows 11 computer if you feel distracted by something and cannot concentrate.

The new feature is named “Focus Sessions” and is available without any extra software to install. To access these features, you need to run the Clock app and choose the right playlist. It also allows setting timers to define the length of the playlist for now and plan breaks. Due to integration with Tasks, you can choose the task for which you choose the playlist. It also helps you set the duration of your session. Finally, there are multiple playlists to choose from.

Indeed, these playlists are generated and powered by Spotify, a music streaming service famous first of all for its personalized playlists. Though there are other ways to listen to Spotify on Windows, this built-in feature is available regardless of whether you have a Spotify account. It seems unnecessary because these playlists may be Microsoft-curated and have no personalization.

The feature was announced by Panos Panay, Microsoft’s chief product officer, on Twitter on August 5, 2021. Though the feature was generally welcomed by readers, some were annoyed by the very fact of integration with Spotify. They think users should have multiple options when it comes to streaming services like they have an option for the default search system in browsers (even Edge or Chrome that offer their native search). It’s not clear yet, though, whether Microsoft is planning to integrate other streaming services at all. You can tell what you think about it in the comments below.