As the giant edition of the Windows operating formula coming this year has already been shown to be another Windows 11 feature update, we know that Windows 12 isn’t planned for 2024, but that doesn’t mean Windows 12 will never arrive. . If Windows 12 finally makes its debut, what will it come with and when?
Here’s everything we think we know and what we’d like to see in Windows 12.
The next edition of Windows is expected to ship later this year as Windows 11 Update 2024 (also known as version 24H2). Of course, this is a continuation of Windows 11, but this edition is special because it’s based on a new edition. . of the Windows platform below, codenamed Germanium.
Originally, Germanium was rumored to serve as the base platform edition for Windows 12, but the departure of former Windows leader Panos Panay prompted Microsoft to abandon that plan and opted to ship the new Windows platform as an extension to Windows 11.
Whether this is true or not means we may not get a Windows 12-branded operating formula this year. The next closest time for a potential Windows 12 would be the fall of 2025, and an announcement will most likely be made in early summer 2025. It would follow the same path as Windows 11 when it was introduced in 2021.
Of course, since Windows 12 is a theoretical version at the moment, we don’t have a clear idea of what kind of new formula requirements it might impose. Windows 11 formula requirements require a PC with 8th generation Intel processors or AMD Ryzen 2000 and later. It also requires a TPM and a minimum of 4GB of RAM. A future Windows 12 may also increase those requirements even further.
I think it’s possible that we’ll see some features (likely concentrated on AI) being limited to newer PCs with a neural processing unit (NPU) or GPU that can take care of on-device AI processing, as the next edition of Windows would heavily concentrate on AI capabilities, and not all PCs will be able to take care of this feature without the compromised hardware.
In 2022, Microsoft leaked an experimental UI concept it had explored for a future version of Windows. This concept placed the taskbar formula tray, search bar, and time button at the top of the screen, and turned the taskbar domain with pinning. and run apps on a floating dock on the back of the screen, similar to macOS.
Sources tell me that this interface was being studied as a way to improve Windows for tablets, while maintaining an excellent experience for mouse users. It featured smoother animations and gestures, and even included an updated login screen that was better optimized for widescreen devices.
Since this UI concept was just an experiment, it’s unclear if this desktop design will ever be available. But if it does, we’d bet Windows 12 will likely be the first position it appears in. A new edition of a Windows product comes with a significant update to the desktop UX.
Again, since Windows 12 is at the moment only a theoretical version, we don’t have any falsified data on what kind of features it might include. At the moment, Microsoft’s big obsession is AI experiences, coming to Windows 11. later this year.
Most likely, a future Windows 12 will rely more on the AI craze with more complex features, such as an assistant that can provide contextual suggestions based on what you’re seeing on your PC. It could be recognizing other people in emails or cross-app conversations and being informed of their behavior to optimize workflows on your computer.
These are all theoretical features at the moment. Right now, Microsoft is running AI Explorer for Windows 11, which will analyze everything you do on your PC and create searchable memories in herbal language. You’ll also be able to see what’s going on lately and provide contextual advice based on what you see.
Zac Bowden is an editor of Windows Central, giving you a unique policy on the global scope of Windows on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. I’m also an avid collector of rare prototypes of Microsoft devices!Stay in touch on Twitter and Threads
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