Microsoft is exploring a hands-free smart home system for Windows tech

Date:
Wed, 31 Jan 2024 21:26:44 +0000

Description:
Microsoft's system would allow devices to freely communicate without direct user input, but it drains batteries fast.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

A new Microsoft patent reveals the company is working on an autonomous smart home system for Windows devices.

This multi-device cross-experience will be powered by artificial
intelligence, according to tech news site Windows Report . It enables connected hardware to communicate with each other via advertising and without direct user input. Advertising in this context doesnt refer to literal commercials but rather signal transmissions. Gadgets on the system will be constantly communicating with each other, triggering actions if criteria are met. For example, an electric car may send a notification to the owners smartphone or laptop informing them that they left the door open. Or you
could transfer a phone call from one device to another.

As a side note, we're not entirely sure why these transmissions are called ads. Perhaps Microsoft is invoking the image of advertisements bits of information constantly bombarding the peripherals of this proposed smart home network. Smart by design

Technology like this already exists in some form. As Windows Report points out, Microsofts system functions similarly to Qualcomms Snapdragon Seamless and Samsung Galaxy Connected . These two are cross-platform networks that allow connected devices to discover each other and share information seamlessly, hence their names.

The main difference with Microsofts version is the aforementioned AI enabling its system to intelligently decide when to act. Its explained in the patent that the AI allows network gadgets to send out contextually appropriate notifications to users. Plus, it can determine if another device is needed
for the scenario. What's more, various connectivity standards will be supported. This includes, but is not limited to, Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, cellular signals, and even cloud connections.

There is one major flaw in all of this. The author of the patent states the system requires an enormous amount of power to work. Devices will have their batteries quickly depleted when they're connected because they're constantly sending out signals on the network. What's next

Its unknown when Microsofts autonomous smart home system will launch, if at all. The tech appears to still be in its early stages, although Windows Reports believes it could arrive soon. The publication argues the recent introduction of Copilot and the companys proclamation of 2024 being the year of AI as signs of whats coming down the line. It also points to rumors claiming Windows 12 will receive groundbreaking AI.

In our opinion, the new network probably wont be coming out for a while assuming it exists in the first place. While the presence of a US patent suggests Microsofts interest in the project, many patents never see the light of day as commercial products. What's more the document offers multiple examples of how the system could work, however, it doesnt describe exactly
how it works.

If youre interested in reading what Microsoft is cooking up, the patent can
be read for free on the official website of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Be warned, the material is pretty dense.

Check out TechRadar's list of the best smart home devices for 2024 if you're looking to smarten up the homestead. You might also like Did we just catch
our first glimpse of Windows 12? If so, we wont get the new OS until 2025
This giant, 27-inch digital calendar is here to organize your familys life
How smart home is changing in 2024



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/home/smart-home/microsoft-is-exploring-a-hands-free- smart-home-system-for-windows-tech


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)