The Resurgence of Customization: Windows 11 Taskbar Tweaks, a RISC‑V Router Campaign, and an E Ink Color Development Kit
Introduction
Recent tech developments highlight a renewed focus on user flexibility and open‑source hardware. Microsoft is gradually restoring taskbar repositioning in Windows 11, while a crowdfunding campaign introduces a RISC‑V‑based router, and E Ink releases a color development kit for next‑generation e‑paper displays. This article explores these three stories in detail.
Windows 11 Taskbar Customization Returns
Microsoft has promised to bring back the ability to reposition the Windows taskbar – a feature long requested by users. Currently, only members of the Windows 11 Insider Preview program running experimental builds can access this functionality. The change allows you to move the taskbar to the top, left, or right edges of the screen, restoring a capability that was removed in the initial Windows 11 release.
In addition to taskbar repositioning, Microsoft is rolling out more options for customizing the Start Menu to Insiders. These enhancements include the ability to pin more apps, adjust the layout of pinned items, and modify the overall visual appearance. The company has indicated that these features will gradually reach the stable version once testing is complete.
For more on how to enable these features, see our guide on Windows 11 Taskbar Customization Returns.
What’s Coming Next?
Microsoft has not provided a firm timeline for the public release of these customization options. However, based on Insider feedback, the final implementation is expected to include additional settings for transparency, icon grouping, and notification area behavior. Users who are not part of the Insider program may have to wait several months for the update to roll out via Windows Update.
A RISC‑V Router Crowdfunding Campaign
The second story involves a crowdfunding campaign for a router built on the RISC‑V architecture. RISC‑V is an open‑source instruction set architecture (ISA) that has gained traction in embedded systems and processor design due to its flexibility and lack of licensing fees. The proposed router, currently seeking funding on a platform like Kickstarter or Indiegogo, aims to offer a fully open‑source networking solution.
Key features of the RISC‑V router include:
- Open‑source firmware: The entire software stack, from the bootloader to the operating system, is freely available for modification.
- Low power consumption: RISC‑V cores are known for their energy efficiency, making the router ideal for home and small office use.
- Customizable hardware: Backers can request additional Ethernet ports, Wi‑Fi modules, or even a built‑in VPN accelerator.
The campaign has already reached its initial funding goal, with stretch goals promising features like mesh networking support and advanced traffic shaping. If successful, the router could become a viable alternative to proprietary devices from major manufacturers.
Why RISC‑V Matters in Networking
Traditionally, routers use processors based on the ARM or MIPS architectures. RISC‑V offers a more transparent approach, allowing independent developers to audit and improve the hardware design. This aligns with the growing demand for secure, verifiable network devices – especially in an era of frequent firmware vulnerabilities.
For a deeper dive into RISC‑V’s potential, check out our analysis of A RISC‑V Router Crowdfunding Campaign.
E Ink Color Development Kit
The third story concerns a new development kit from E Ink Corporation that enables engineers to create color e‑paper displays. The kit, based on E Ink’s Spectra 6 or ACeP technology, provides a complete set of tools for integrating full‑color e‑paper into products such as digital signage, e‑readers, and wearable devices.
What’s included in the kit:
- Display panel: A high‑resolution color e‑paper screen, typically 10 to 13 inches in size.
- Driver board: A controller board that handles image updates and power management.
- Software libraries: APIs for popular programming languages (Python, C++) to control display content.
- Documentation: Comprehensive guides on hardware integration and optimization.
Color e‑paper offers several advantages over traditional LCDs: it consumes power only during updates, provides wide viewing angles, and remains readable in direct sunlight. However, refresh rates are slower, making it unsuitable for video or fast‑changing content.
Potential Applications
With this development kit, companies can prototype applications such as:
- Retail shelf labels that update pricing and promotions wirelessly.
- Digital art frames that display vibrant images without backlight glare.
- Smart luggage tags showing flight information and barcodes.
The kit is expected to ship later this year, with pricing starting at around $200 for early adopters. For more details, refer to the E Ink Color Development Kit section.
Conclusion
These three developments – Windows 11 taskbar customization, the RISC‑V router campaign, and the E Ink color dev kit – reflect broader trends in technology: a move toward user empowerment, open‑source hardware, and low‑power display solutions. While each targets a different audience, together they illustrate the diversity of innovation happening across the industry. Stay tuned for updates as these projects evolve.