AI is the new hotness in PCs. A new report claims Microsoft will push a revolutionary new version of Windows 11 in 2024 to make AI practical. Microsoft added the Windows Copilot AI assistant and AI “Cocreator” features to Paint in Windows 11’s 2023 Update. Windows 10 will also get Copilot. Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm are integrating AI-boosting NPUs to PC chips. A Windows Central report claims Microsoft is preparing an AI-enhanced version of Windows. It is unknown whether this AI-enhanced version of Windows will be called Windows 12 or released as a Windows 11 upgrade. Six AI features reportedly coming in 2024’s Windows overhaul.
1. AI in the Windows Shell
Windows Central says Microsoft is weaving AI deep into the Windows Shell, the graphical interface underpinning the operating system.
2. A smart history feature
Windows Timeline, a feature that let you see your history of open files and tabs from any PC, will return to Windows in 2024.
3. Search gets smart
Windows Central says the traditional Windows search experience could extend to natural language search as well.
4. Super Resolution
Windows will offer some sort of AI Super Resolution option in its 2024 revamp using onboard NPUs to increase the resolution.
5. Smart Live Captions
AI will make Live Captions even better in the new version of Windows by translating multiple languages simultaneously.
6. AI wallpapers
Microsoft is working on AI-identified layers in desktop wallpapers to have a parallax-style effect.
Here’s to 2024!
Read the full Windows Central report for the full scoop on how Microsoft is rearchitecting Windows to make all this AI magic happen along with info on some non-AI features like improved energy efficiency and a new section of the Start menu.
All these AI features sound actually helpful and practical for people who aren’t media creators, which is more than we can say about most consumer AI features released thus far. If this report holds true, that’s an exciting revelation, but there’s a potential fly in the ointment. Many of these AI features could require a PC with an onboard NPU, so you’d only be able to use them with a small number of ultra-modern laptops.