Windows 12: A Sneak Peek at Potential Features
At the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite event this week, attendees got a glimpse of what the next generation of Windows, expected to be Windows 12, could potentially offer. Qualcomm, known for its wireless-related semiconductors, software, and services, unveiled their new processor chip, the Snapdragon X Elite, with some impressive claims. This chip is said to significantly enhance Windows on ARM devices and play a vital role in the functionality of future Windows devices.
During the event, Qualcomm shared the stage with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and CVP Pavan Davuluri to discuss the Snapdragon X Elite processor and the importance of Neural Processing Units (NPUs) in future Windows machines. Although no hardware demonstrations or explicit mentions of “Windows 12” took place, hints were dropped regarding upcoming features.
Nadella began by describing his and Microsoft’s vision for AI’s role in computing. He believes that generative AI, referred to as “gen AI,” has the potential to be as transformative as smartphones, cloud computing, the internet, and personal computers have been in recent years. Nadella predicts that gen AI will impact human-computer interaction, making it more intuitive and facilitating changes in human behavior.
According to Nadella, gen AI will redefine operating systems (OSs), user interfaces (UIs), application engagement, and more. Changes in UI serve as indicators of more significant transformations, which Nadella refers to as a “big UI change.” He also discussed Microsoft’s new reasoning engine, a system that mimics human thought processes. The example of Microsoft’s AI coding assistant, Github Copilot, was mentioned as an application of this new engine. The combination of UI overhauls and a modern reasoning engine will allow for transformation across all software categories.
Nadella then shifted the focus to hybrid computing, an ongoing topic surrounding future OS generations like Windows 12. Microsoft sees hybrid computing as crucial for enhancing the computing capabilities of low-powered or older devices by combining local processing with cloud computing. The latest powerful NPUs play a significant role in maximizing the potential of both local and cloud computing. A hybrid approach is necessary for handling the scale of AI processes, which often require more processing power than a standard PC can handle. Microsoft’s AI assistant, Windows Copilot, operates using a hybrid model, with some functions happening in the cloud and a mix of on-device and cloud capabilities. To enable this, Microsoft is developing a new system architecture and looking to chips like the Snapdragon X Elite.
Microsoft is placing high stakes on Windows Copilot, considering it a “marquee experience” that they hope will become the next Start button. The goal is for users to describe their intent to Copilot, which will fulfill their requests without the need for direct instructions. Copilot aims to assist with workflows, learning, queries, and more. Currently, users must navigate to different applications or locations manually, but with generative AI, users can state their intent, and Copilot will provide everything needed.
While Microsoft has showcased previews of Copilot’s abilities, the full vision is not yet a reality. Rumors suggest that Microsoft is developing natural language models to improve file searches and restore previous activities. Davuluri discussed other platform-related developments to support app emulation, and how generative AI will shape personalized user experiences.
Overall, Microsoft’s future vision presents an exciting prospect for the next version of Windows OS, with an AI-centric UI, context-aware AI functionality, and a focus on hybrid computing. However, users eagerly await solid details about what they can expect from Windows 12. The official name of the next Windows version remains a mystery. With promising features on the horizon, anticipation continues to build among users for Microsoft’s next big reveal.
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