Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech.
Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics.
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Summary
- Project Odeon makes Settings a Microsoft Store app so Microsoft can update it outside Windows Update.
- Found in an Insider branch as a Store entry; it coexists with the current Settings app for now.
- Store-based Settings could speed moving Control Panel features into Settings without holding up Windows Update.
Microsoft has quite a few projects going right now. The biggest one is Windows K2, which sounds like a brand-new version of the operating system, but it's actually a major revamp of Windows 11 to tweak users' biggest pain points. There's also Project Helix, which will define the next generation of Xbox consoles
Now, a report has come in claiming that there's another one: Project Odeon. This one seemingly turns the Settings panel into a Windows Store app, which should allow Microsoft to tweak features without waiting around for a Windows Update to go out.
Project Odeon seemingly turns the Windows 11 Settings panel into a Microsoft Store app
Not much has been confirmed as of yet
The claim comes to us via Windows Latest, which discovered the feature in a Windows 11 Insider branch. It spotted a new entry on the Microsoft Store titled "Project Odeon" which shared the same icon as Windows 11's Settings panel. When downloaded, Project Odeon didn't overwrite the Settings panel, and it was possible to open them side-by-side. However, it's likely Microsoft chose this behavior because Project Odeon is still a WIP and is missing a ton of settings, so people still need access to the default Settings app to tweak specific things.
So, what's Microsoft's big plan with Project Odeon? In my opinion, I believe this will become a full replacement for Settings. Microsoft has been trying to move all of Control Panel over to Settings for a while; we've been reporting it for over two years now. There's a chance that the reason it's taking so long is that additions to Settings need to hitch a ride on Windows Update, which may be complicating things.
By going for a Microsoft Store-based approach, Microsoft can send out updates and new features without being tied up with Windows Update. I'd imagine Microsoft would use this avenue to add Control Panel features to Settings, and then remove said features from Control Panel during a standard Windows Update. That way, people can move over to the new Settings panel more quickly, allowing Microsoft to slowly dismantle the Control Panel without denying users a way to toggle specific settings.