Unlocking Windows 11 24H2: New AI Features and Copilot+ PC Requirements

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As the curtain rises on Windows 11 24H2, enthusiasts and casual users alike may find themselves excited yet uncertain about a plethora of new AI capabilities coming to their desktops—and some may wonder, "Will I even get to use them?" Well, grab your tech helmets; we’re diving deep into what’s on offer and why you might need a specific type of PC to wield these digital superpowers.

The Basics: What’s New?​

With the rollout of the 24H2 update, Microsoft is ready to unveil several new AI features that were previously the exclusive club of Copilot+ PCs. Let’s familiarize ourselves with what’s on the horizon:

1. Click to Do

Imagine having an assistant constantly perched atop your screen, analyzing content as you work. Enter Click to Do—an intelligent overlay that activates when you need help. Whether you're viewing an image or selecting text, this feature offers convenient options. With a simple right-click, you can initiate Bing image searches, blur backgrounds, or even erase objects right from Paint—all seamlessly integrated for ease of access. This AI marvel will begin rolling out in November, bringing with it features like summarization and rewriting to further enhance your work process.

2. Super-resolution in Photos

Microsoft is turning heads with its super-resolution feature, expected to grace the Photos app. Users can upscale images by up to 800%, a boon for those pesky low-res images that deserve a second chance. With a simple slider, you'll control the upscaling effect, and—causing even more applause—this all happens thanks to intelligent local AI models.

3. Generative Erase and Fill in Paint

Say goodbye to unwanted elements in your photos with the newly designed Erase and Fill features. Need to remove an object from an image? Just select it, hit erase, and watch your image blend seamlessly in real time. As if that weren’t enough, the fill feature allows you to add elements to your images with a few clicks—what was once deemed laborious is now instant and intuitive.

4. Improved Windows Search

Searching for files on your PC just got personal. With the new AI-powered search feature, you can use natural language to find what you need. Looking for photos of a railway trip from last summer? Simply type in "railway" or "train," and voilà—Windows 11’s AI hunts them down for you, even if they are cryptically titled like “2023-x1345.jpg.”

5. Recall

Previously doused with privacy challenges, Recall makes its return with enhanced security measures. Now an opt-in feature, it promises to store snapshots safely on your PC without capturing sensitive information. Users can choose which apps to exclude and have transparency concerning data storage. If it’s not your cup of tea, you can always disable it—no strings attached.

Will You Get All These New Features?​

With one significant caveat: not everyone will be able to tap into this AI bonanza. Microsoft has divided its user base into two camps: Copilot+ PC users and regular users. The cutting-edge AI features are optimally designed for newer devices equipped with Neural Processing Units (NPUs), which are essential for executing these advanced functions efficiently. If your device predates the Copilot+ designation, you might feel like a kid outside a candy store—able to see the treats but unable to indulge.

Copilot+ PC Explained​

So what exactly are Copilot+ PCs? These machines boast AI-capable hardware that not only requires an NPU but also supports a binge of sophisticated AI applications. Historically, this lineup was limited primarily to Qualcomm-powered systems, but fear not—Intel and AMD are now in the mix, making modern Copilot+ configurations available for a broader audience.

Conclusion​

The Windows 11 24H2 update is paving the way for an exciting era filled with advanced AI tools aimed at boosting productivity and user engagement. However, if you're not among the lucky ones with a Copilot+ PC, you might have to consider investing in one if you wish to leverage these new innovations.
As the saying goes, "With great power comes great responsibility"—except in the tech world, it's more like "With great power comes a great hardware requirement." Are you pondering an upgrade, or are you content with what you've got? The future of Windows is sparkling with possibilities, and we want to know—are you in or out?
Source: Windows Latest 5 new AI features coming to Windows 11 24H2, but will you get it?