As Microsoft shifts to an AI-first operating model, the tech giant appears to be preparing to release a new version of its Windows operating system, and here’s the spoiler: AI will be a core experience in the software.
Windows 12, which could be released as early as this year, will be a modular operating system, meaning users can choose to add or remove features, aiming to provide greater flexibility.
According to a new report from PCWorld, a new operating system codenamed "Hudson Valley Next" will be released later this year, just around the time that Windows 10 ends support.
The modular design concept of the operating system originated from the CorePC architecture project that Microsoft has been developing for many years. It will redefine the Windows experience by allowing components to be added and removed. This will help customize the operating system for different system configurations, whether it is a lightweight system or a gaming-specific system and so on.
Overall, Windows 12 will be more adaptable and customizable than any previous version. On the visual front, we might also see a big leap, as a new visual layout is expected to include transparent glass elements and a floating taskbar.
Unfortunately, that's pretty much the only highlight of the new operating system. Copilot, the AI assistant that Microsoft has been actively promoting, will now become a core component of the next generation Windows system, rather than an additional feature.
Some parts of the operating system may also adopt a subscription model, and these parts are expected to be "advanced artificial intelligence services" and so on. These AI features come with a hefty price tag, and Windows 12 will introduce new hardware requirements just like its predecessor introduced TPM 2.0 requirements. This time, a dedicated NPU (Neural Network Processing Unit) is required, a type of processor designed to handle artificial intelligence tasks.
NPUs are still in the early silicon stages and have not yet been widely adopted in all systems. This requirement will prevent millions of PC users from upgrading to Microsoft's next-generation operating system, but fortunately, Windows 11 support will continue for a few more years.
