Microsoft reveals next evolution of Windows - and it won't be Windows 12

Date:
Fri, 09 Feb 2024 15:09:45 +0000

Description:
Microsoft confirms Windows 11 24H2 update, seemingly passing on Windows 12 (for now). Instead, its focusing on AI improvements, and catering to existing Windows 10 and Windows 11 users.

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Microsoft has confirmed that the next update for Windows, Windows 11 version 24H2, is indeed coming later this year. While its good to know that Microsoft is planning a major update for Windows 11, the news will be disappointing to anyone who was hoping for an imminent release of Windows 12 , the rumored
next generation of the Windows operating system (OS). We expect Windows 11 24H2 to arrive around September or October, and will continue Microsofts
focus on developing the AI-aided user experience and quality of life upgrades that the company has been so keen on pushing lately.

This does mean that we can put any expectations of a Windows 12 to bed, at least until after the second half 2024. Many people were convinced that Windows 11s successor was coming sooner rather than later because of the
heavy emphasis on next-generation AI features and experiences. This rumored release was code-named Hudson Valley , and its anticipated to get an official announcement mid-2024, and start rolling out in the latter half of 2024. (Image credit: Microsoft) Straight from the horse's mouth (or rather, blog)

According to Windows Central , this confirmation of Windows annual major feature update comes to us from a Windows 11 preview build changelog
published on February 8, 2024. Microsoft writes:

"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 years annual feature update.

Windows 11 24H2 will still absolutely be worth updating to as Microsoft is currently one of the leaders in the personal computing space thats actively pursuing and developing AI user assistance. Weve seen evidence of this with Microsofts enthusiastic debut and continued campaign to bring Windows Copilot , its digital AI assistant thats even getting its own keyboard button, to users. New AI features will make use of recently-manufactured devices cutting-edge processors from manufacturers like AMD , Intel , and Qualcomm , who have all recently released (or at least announced) new chips with dedicated support for artificial intelligence. (Image credit: Future / Alex Walker-Todd) What's the hold up with Windows 12?

There are multiple speculated reasons for why Microsoft is currently sticking to Windows 11 instead of moving on. One such suggestion is that Microsoft is reluctant to split its PC user base even more with a third major Windows version on the market. Its user base is already somewhat split with many
users preferring to stick to Windows 10 (reportedly outnumbering Windows 11 users more than twofold).

Meanwhile, Windows Central suggests multiple (very reasonable) reasons why Microsoft is currently sticking to Windows 11. First off, Windows and
Surfaces former leader, Panos Panay, has departed Microsoft. Panay has headed up the Surface team since its inception, and led the development of Windows since 2020.

Its a major change-up for Microsoft internally, and along with Windows 10s continued widespread popularity, the company is probably somewhat hesitant to release Windows 12 during this period. Microsoft is planning to end support for Windows 10 in 2025 to have a better chance of consolidating its user
base, and its probably waiting at least until then to introduce Windows 12. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE... Windows 11 is losing Mail and Calendar apps - so
you'll have to use Outlook whether you like it or not Windows 11 update makes Copilot AI better in small but meaningful ways Dont make these 5 big mistakes when using Windows 11



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/microsoft-reveals-next-evolution- of-windows-and-it-wont-be-windows-12


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