Earlier this year, the presentation files for the new Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite mentioned a "Windows OS" different from Windows 11, which might be its successor. The unconfirmed Windows release generally known as Windows 12 for now is scheduled to arrive by June 2024, reveals a new report from Taiwan.
At the end of October, we heard that the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite might run Windows 12. While this is an assumption based on the "Windows OS" string present in the Qualcomm presentation files for the new chip, while the Intel systems present for comparison purposes in the documents explicitly ran Windows 11, a new report reveals that Windows 12 will be unleashed in the first half of 2024.
A recent report by Taiwan's Commercial Times (CTEE), which was spotted by gHacks Technology News, quotes insiders familiar with the matter who might have revealed that Microsoft Windows 12 (the name is not set in stone yet, of course) is scheduled to arrive "by June 2024" and that the same year will see the focus of the Redmond-based tech giant shift even more towards AI. The list of tech insiders who spoke to CTEE includes executives from Asus, Quanta Computer, and Gigabyte.
Sadly, there are no other details about the AI side of the story right now, but since Microsoft unveiled already the Azure Maia AI Accelerator and Azure Cobalt CPU, the latter being an ARM chip aimed at general-purpose workloads on Microsoft Cloud, it wouldn't be surprising to see the brand back in the desktop PC market with dedicated AI processors designed to work flawlessly with Windows 12.
However, Windows 11 development continues and a reference to Windows 11 24H2 surfaced earlier this week in a new policy named Enable Delegated Managed Service Account logons. This feature update should, as its name suggests, arrive in the second half of next year. Remains to see if Windows 12 will be already available when that happens or they will arrive (more or less) simultaneously.
Reactions and Assessments
The Anticipation
The prospect of Windows 12 hitting the market in 2024 has ignited a wave of anticipation among tech enthusiasts and industry insiders. The mention of a new "Windows OS" in the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite presentation files has fueled speculations, making the possibility of Windows 12 a tantalizing glimpse into the future of operating systems.
AI Integration
The report from Taiwan's Commercial Times suggesting a heightened focus on AI with the release of Windows 12 opens up intriguing possibilities. Executives from major tech players like Asus, Quanta Computer, and Gigabyte hint at a collaborative effort in shaping the AI landscape within the Windows ecosystem. Microsoft's previous ventures into AI, such as the Azure Maia AI Accelerator and Azure Cobalt CPU, signal a potential integration of dedicated AI processors into Windows 12, promising enhanced performance and functionality.
Windows 11 Continuity
Despite the buzz around Windows 12, the ongoing development of Windows 11 remains a key focal point. The emergence of a reference to Windows 11 24H2 indicates that Microsoft is committed to refining and advancing the current operating system. The question arises whether Windows 12 will coexist with Windows 11, or if it aims to overshadow its predecessor with a simultaneous release.
The Unveiling Timeline
The revelation that Windows 12 is expected to make its debut by June 2024 sets a timeline for eager users and businesses planning their future tech infrastructure. The industry will be watching closely for any official announcements from Microsoft, hoping for insights into the features and advancements that Windows 12 will bring to the table.
