Microsoft is gearing up for the forthcoming update to its Windows 11 operating system, tentatively named “Germanium.” Insiders within the company have hinted that this new release, expected in September 2024, will integrate advanced AI security measures, making it highly resilient against a wide range of cyber threats.
Excitingly, the subsequent iteration, Windows 12, codenamed “Hudson Valley,” is poised to leverage artificial intelligence capabilities, providing robust protection against ransomware attacks and espionage-related breaches.
Currently, details on the precursor to Windows 12 are scant, with the beta version slated for a June release and commercial availability anticipated around February 2025. Test versions of devices are projected to hit the market during the fall.
What sets the Germanium platform apart? It promises innovation by harnessing neural processing units capable of handling AI requests at the edge, complemented by the advanced capabilities of ChatGPT-4.
The burning question: Will Germanium be compatible with existing Windows 11 devices? Insights from engineers involved in the project, shared on platforms like Reddit, suggest that the new version may demand beefier hardware and processing power, possibly excluding older Windows 11 devices. This could necessitate users to invest in new models to fully leverage the AI-driven software and hardware enhancements.
Furthermore, if backward compatibility is achievable, it raises concerns about the marketability of new PCs and the impact on sales teams dedicated to promoting such products. Consequently, it’s unlikely that the Windows 12 Operating System will offer upgrades for Windows 10 and 11 users.
On a related note, Qualcomm recently announced that its upcoming Snapdragon X Elite PCs will debut with the next iteration of Windows, launching as Windows vNext devices in June for testing purposes.
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