Windows 12: The Next Big Thing in AI?
Windows 11 is not even out yet, but Microsoft is already working on the next major update for its flagship operating system. According to reports from Windows Central and other sources, Microsoft is planning a heavy AI shift for Windows 12, which could be released as soon as 2024.
AI, or artificial intelligence, is the ability of machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing images, or making decisions. AI is already a big part of Windows 11, with features like Copilot, a generative AI tool that can help users with various tasks, such as writing code, creating presentations, or composing emails.
But Windows 12 is expected to take AI to the next level, with more advanced and integrated AI features that will change the way users interact with their devices and applications. For example, Windows 12 could use AI to provide personalized and contextual recommendations, alerts, and insights within apps like Mail, Calendar, Photos, and more. Windows 12 could also use AI to enhance the user experience, such as by automatically adjusting the settings, layout, and appearance of the interface according to the user’s preferences, needs, and environment.
However, to enable these AI capabilities, Windows 12 will require a new type of hardware: a neural processing unit, or NPU. An NPU is a specialized chip that is designed to accelerate machine learning tasks, such as speech recognition, image processing, or natural language generation. An NPU can handle these tasks much faster and more efficiently than a regular CPU or GPU, which are the main processors in most computers today.
According to the reports, Windows 12 will be based on a new development code called Germanium, which is also known as Hudson Valley or Next Valley. This code will support NPUs and will allow Windows 12 to leverage the power of AI on the device, rather than relying on the cloud. This could offer several benefits, such as faster performance, lower latency, better privacy, and more offline functionality.
However, this also means that Windows 12 will not run on older or lower-end devices that do not have an NPU. This could create a challenge for Microsoft, as it could fragment the Windows market and alienate some users who cannot or do not want to upgrade their hardware. To avoid this, Microsoft could offer Windows 12 as an optional update, or as a separate edition of Windows, while continuing to support Windows 11 and Windows 10 for a longer period of time.
Windows 12 is still in the early stages of development, and many details are subject to change. However, it is clear that Microsoft is betting big on AI, and that Windows 12 could be a game-changer for the future of computing. Here is a table that summarizes some of the key differences and similarities between Windows 11 and Windows 12, based on the current information available:
| Feature | Windows 11 | Windows 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | October 5, 2023 | 2024 (rumored) |
| Development code | Cobalt | Germanium |
| UI design | Fluent Design | Fluent Design |
| AI features | Copilot, Widgets, Snap Layouts, etc. | More advanced and integrated AI features |
| Hardware requirements | TPM 2.0, 64-bit CPU, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, etc. | NPU, 64-bit CPU, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, etc. (rumored) |
| Compatibility | Most devices that run Windows 10 | Only devices that have an NPU |
| Support lifecycle | 24 months for Home and Pro editions, 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions | Unknown |
We will keep you updated on the latest news and developments about Windows 12, so stay tuned to the Windows Computer and Technology Channel for more videos. And don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe if you enjoyed this article. Thank you for reading.