What is Microsoft teasing with its cryptic Windows 11 tweets?

By Sean Endicott
last updated

Closeups of an eye, ear, and pointed finger give us hints about Windows 11, but what do they mean?

Windows 11 Widget Surface Pro
Windows 11 Widget Surface Pro (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft teased Windows 11 in a series of tweets over the last few days.
  • The tweets show closeups of an ear, eye, and finger.
  • Microsoft will officially announce Windows 11 today at 11 AM ET.

We're only a few hours away from the official announcement of Windows 11. Microsoft's livestream to show the next generation of Windows kicks off at 11 AM ET, and you can watch it live on the company's website. Since many of us are bumping around the web this morning to see any news that comes out, I thought I'd have a bit of fun and dive into some of the cryptic tweets that Microsoft has used to tease Windows 11.

Tweets spread out over the last few days show close-up shots of different body parts, including an ear, an eye, and a pointed finger. I thought I'd take my best guess as to what each of the tweets means and see if you all agree.

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The first tease sent out is a closeup of an ear. Some have playfully said that this means the event is about a new pair of Surface Earbuds. I suppose anything is possible, but it's more likely that it's a nod to the new startup sound in Windows 11.

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Our executive editor Zac Bowden shared the new startup sound last week after a build of Windows 11 leaked online.

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The next tweet from Microsoft is a closeup of someone's eye. The reflection in the eye clearly shows one of the new Windows 11 wallpapers, so that tease seems straightforward.

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The final tweet shows the ear and eye again, followed by a closeup of an outstretched finger. The pad of the finger is pressed down as if it was touching the screen of a PC. This likely points to the improved Windows 11 snapping experience.

In addition to everything teased by Microsoft, we should see a lot more from the event today. We have a piece breaking down what we expect to see at the Windows 11 event.

Do you think I'm right about what the tweets mean? Do you think Microsoft is teasing something else? Let us know what you expect from the event in the comments below.

Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott brings nearly a decade of experience covering Microsoft and Windows news to Windows Central. He joined our team in 2017 as an app reviewer and now heads up our day-to-day news coverage. If you have a news tip or an app to review, hit him up at sean.endicott@futurenet.com (opens in new tab).

17 Comments
  • It's obviously a teaser for the next Surface Studio.
  • Ooh, I would like that. But cheaper. Like a nice competitor for the new iMac's
  • Until they throw everyone off and it's actually Surface Neo launch or better yet a Surface Duo with Win 11
  • These teasers show us why Windows 11 is an improvement over Windows 10 It has better Touch Experience , Visuals and better Sounds
    Don't forget the beautiful Startup Sound XD
  • It has not better touch experience. It has only some gestures as a compensation for missing tablet mode in W11
  • Part of what makes it a better touch experience. Plus a task bar that’s better suited for touch. Plus a start menu that’s better suited for touch. Plus widgets. I mean come on man. This is obviously better for touch. Snapping being a huge part.
  • davo_svk, I think that statements supports that it does in fact have a better touch experience.
  • I think it might mean that Windows 11 will work with screens, hence the eye, it will work with speakers, hence the ear, and it will work with touchscreens, hence the finger.
  • Surely the first thing everyone does is Turn Off Windows sounds. I already get notification sounds on my phone, don't need them on my PC too.
  • Bleach is better
  • But what if Windows was on your phone? You'd need sounds again!
  • It clearly means Microsoft has developed sentient humanoid beings powered by w11, duh!
  • The way you use windows 10. You hear it, see it, and touch it. Thank God there is no tongue involved.
  • Seems pretty obvious to me… it’s all about “experience” the new windows. See, hear, touch.
  • Hear no evil, see no evil, feel no evil? OK that's a reach I know
  • Better for 3 of your 5 senses. They make no claims that it smells or tastes better.
  • It's an obvious rebus puzzle! Ear Eye Finger. Er ... maybe it means something in Irish?