In a bid to revolutionize the computing landscape, Microsoft and Qualcomm are hinting at a formidable collaboration centered around the long-rumored Windows 12. This initiative underlines a significant shift towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ARM optimization, positioning them as contenders against the lauded Apple Silicon “M” chips.
Key Highlights:
- The anticipation for Windows 12 peaked during Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite event, revealing notable AI features like Copilot and Paint Cocreator among others.
- Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite, slated for a mid-2024 market entry, was tested on an unspecified “Windows OS,” fueling speculation around Windows 12’s debut.
- Microsoft’s focus is on enhancing AI capabilities with Windows 12, possibly evolving the existing Copilot into a more powerful AI assistant, alongside other AI-driven functionalities in various apps.
The collaboration was prominently spotlighted during the Snapdragon X Elite event in Hawaii, where Qualcomm dropped substantial hints about the arrival of Windows 12 in 2024. This next-gen OS from Microsoft is expected to take a deep dive into AI with features like Copilot and Paint Cocreator, alongside web-centric applications and an enhanced Microsoft Edge browser.
Qualcomm’s involvement is poised to accelerate the ARM race against Apple. The new venture is believed to optimize Windows on Snapdragon-powered hardware, a move to catch up with Apple’s minimal power consumption yet high-performance M-chips. The testing of Snapdragon X Elite on a “Windows OS” during its benchmarking process, as opposed to “Windows 11” used for Intel tests, has stirred speculations about the new version of Windows, possibly Windows 12, aligning with the ARM chip’s market entry in mid-2024.
Windows 12 is expected to retain a design semblance with Windows 11 but with potential new features like a “floating” taskbar and desktop widgets. A web-centric variant targeting the educational sector is also under development, aiming to challenge Chrome OS. This new variant could cater to the low-end hardware typically used by students, thus expanding Microsoft’s reach in the educational sector.
Moreover, it is not just about the rivalry with Apple or Google; it’s a larger narrative of how Microsoft and Qualcomm are working tirelessly to redefine computing. The emphasis on AI, ARM optimization, and unique features like a “floating” taskbar, among others, underscore the vision of a modern, efficient, and user-centric computing experience.
The Microsoft and Qualcomm collaboration hinting at the arrival of Windows 12 sheds light on the ambitious roadmap to reinvent computing. With a keen focus on AI and ARM optimization, this venture is set to challenge the existing paradigms, bringing forth a new era of enhanced, user-friendly computing experience.
