Tag: Windows 12

  • Microsoft Officially Announces Release: Windows 11 24H2 instead of Windows 12

    Microsoft Officially Announces Release: Windows 11 24H2 instead of Windows 12

    Previous speculation about Microsoft moving away from a three-year update cycle for Windows turned out to be true. In an official blog post, Microsoft announced that “Windows 11 24H2” will be the major feature update for 2024, pushing the anticipated release of Windows 12 into 2025 or later.

    Windows 11 24H2 Announced as Major Feature Update for 2024

    Microsoft subtly revealed this strategy shift in the changelog for a recent Windows 11 Insider Preview Build. The changelog states:

    “Starting with Build 26-xx today, Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels will see the versioning updated under Settings > System > About (and winver) to version 24H2. This denotes that Windows 11, version 24H2 will be this year’s annual feature update. As mentioned here, Windows 11 will have an annual feature update cadence that releases in the second half of the calendar year.”

    The company is now clearly committed to one annual feature update for Windows 11, scheduled for release in the second half of each year. This marks a change from smaller, more frequent “Moments” updates seen in the past.

    Concerns about Userbase Fragmentation

    This decision may stem from Microsoft’s concern about exacerbating userbase fragmentation. Windows 10 continues to hold a dominant 66% market share, while Windows 11 trails behind at 28%. Introducing Windows 12 in 2024 could further divide the Windows ecosystem, a situation Microsoft likely wants to avoid.

    AI-Powered Features and Advancements

    Instead, users can expect substantial AI-powered features and other advancements with the Windows 11 24H2 update. The exact details of what these AI features will be are still up in the air, but we can expect more details to come out in the coming months.

    However, previously rumored concepts, like a redesigned desktop interface with a “floating taskbar” as a characteristic of Windows 12 won’t materialize in the immediate future. So a significant visual overhaul for Windows is unlikely before 2025.

    Release Timing and Availability

    Regarding release timing, Windows 11 24H2 builds will reach manufacturers (RTM) in April 2024. General public availability is tentatively expected sometime between September and October 2024.

    Let us know your thoughts. Are you disappointed about the Windows 12 delay?

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  • Anticipated Arrival: AI Enhancements in Windows 12 by 2024

    Anticipated Arrival: AI Enhancements in Windows 12 by 2024

    Microsoft Prepares to Launch AI-Enhanced Windows 12 (Codename "Hudson Valley")

    Microsoft is getting ready to unveil a fresh version of Windows known as "Hudson Valley," speculated to emerge as Windows 12. This upcoming update, scheduled for a release in the latter part of 2024, is set to incorporate cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) directly into the operating system.

    Embracing AI in Windows ‘Hudson Valley’

    Current iterations of Hudson Valley are undergoing testing within the Windows Insider Canary channel, with the final release to manufacturing (RTM) version anticipated to arrive in April 2024.

    Hudson Valley’s primary objective is to enhance user experience through the power of AI. At its core will be the AI-driven Windows Shell, accompanied by a sophisticated co-pilot AI aide. This assistant, named Copilot, is designed to seamlessly operate in the background, enriching functions such as search capabilities, launching applications, managing workflows, and interpreting contexts.

    In order to fully harness this AI integration, the operating system will necessitate new Neural Processing Unit (NPU) hardware. Consequently, computer hardware requirements are expected to escalate, potentially making older computers incompatible with specific AI-centered functionalities.

    IDC foresees a surge in the adoption of AI-enabled PCs equipped with NPUs, predicting an 81% market penetration by 2027. This points towards a burgeoning inclination towards mainstream AI utilization within the PC domain.

    Microsoft’s dedication towards AI-driven enhancements is clear from recent upgrades in Windows 11, including the Copilot AI enhancement and the Background Removal feature in Paint. Furthermore, murmurs about a new roadmap for Windows update cycles are circulating within the tech sphere.

    Exciting Features Envisioned for Hudson Valley

    In addition to the advanced Copilot AI assistant, Hudson Valley is speculated to introduce a variety of AI-infused functions:

    • AI-Driven Wallpapers: Featuring dynamic parallax effects and interactive attributes.
    • Super Resolution: Enhancing image quality in photos, videos, and games.
    • Enhanced Energy-Saving Mode: Improving battery efficiency.
    • Revamped Desktop Interface: Positioning the system tray at the top.

    The definitive name and features of Hudson Valley are yet to be officially confirmed.

    Molding the Future with AI

    The imminent launch of Windows 12, codenamed Hudson Valley, promises to revolutionize the operating system landscape with a resolute emphasis on AI. Microsoft’s AI-centric Windows Shell and Copilot AI assistant aspire to offer users a more intuitive and enriched computing environment. As AI pervades the world of PCs, it is set to play a pivotal role in the progression of operating systems.

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