Is the Windows 7 taskbar a new notification area?

Question

I have seen several Windows 7 applications appearing on the Internet that take advantage of the new taskbar functionality. However, some of these applications do handle a taskbar, such as a notification area. No foreground window. All interaction is carried out using the taskbar button (with overlays, progress indicators, jump lists, etc.).

Personally, I like the new taskbar more than the notification area, because I have the opportunity to use larger icons and give the user a very familiar user interface with rich experience. But I also feel that applications like the ones described above should be stored in the notification area.

What do you think of applications that use the Windows 7 taskbar as a “new notification area"? Should it be avoided?

Answer 1

Microsoft is doing everything possible to discourage the use of the "notification area", which is often called the "system tray". Instead, they encourage more detailed and interactive application icons. For example, a progress bar that appears on the Explorer icon when you perform file operations in Explorer.

For more information on new recommended features, read Windows User Experience Best Practices .