Windows 11 Build 26120.2705: Enhanced Copilot+ Features for AMD and Intel PCs

As 2024 comes to a close, Microsoft’s Windows Insider Dev Channel hits us with one last hurrah. Enter Windows 11 Build 26120.2705, an update promising to supercharge the functionality for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. If you're scratching your head wondering what’s new or why this matters, buckle up—this is a deep dive into the broader implications of this impactful build.
Gone are the days when all Copilot+ functionality was constrained to Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. Microsoft is leveling the playing field, granting AMD and Intel PC users access to some seriously cool features like real-time translation and live captions, features first teased on Snapdragon-powered devices. Whether you're a techie or a casual Windows enthusiast, this update marks a major leap forward in accessibility, productivity, and how we interact with multimedia on our devices.

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What’s New in Build 26120.2705?​

This release focuses primarily on broadening Copilot+ features to those running non-Snapdragon systems. Let’s break it down:

Live Captions with Real-Time Translation​

Imagine watching a video, attending a live meeting on your PC, or simply streaming some content, and immediately understanding what's being said—regardless of the language. That’s where live captions meet real-time translation.
This feature takes spoken language in any video call, recording, or streaming content and converts its audio into English text captions for over 44 languages. The supported input languages range from Arabic to Japanese, German to Korean, and plenty in between. For Snapdragon devices, Microsoft even added Simplified Chinese translation to the mix.
But there’s a twist—this isn't just a transcription-to-text feature; it’s expanding multilingual communication by stitching together real-time processing with natural language contextual understanding. It’s effectively Microsoft's way of saying: "We see your language barrier and raise you seamless global communication." English speakers rejoice, but the primary focus is ensuring communication to English, rather than offering broader bidirectional message relays... yet.

Who Benefits?​

• Professionals in multinational corporations: Forget manually translating those Mandarin-speaking client calls.
• Gamers & Streamers: Watching eSports from a country like Korea? Enjoy captions in real-time.
• Content Consumers: Watch international documentaries or media without needing to hunt subtitles.
• Accessibility Champions: For hard-of-hearing users, live captions don't just transcribe—they now break language barriers too.

Note: While this feature is compelling, early adopters will face teething problems. Microsoft has warned of some known issues—likely hiccups in accuracy or speed. Test it on Insiders first before banking on it for critical work.

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Enhanced Real-Time Translation for Snapdragon Users​

Let’s not forget Qualcomm. Snapdragon-powered devices have had Copilot+ for a while now, and this update enhances their real-time translation portfolio. While AMD and Intel devices are playing catch-up regarding these features, Snapdragon users can now translate directly into Simplified Chinese. This move is probably part of Microsoft's broader strategy to target the Chinese market more aggressively—a space Qualcomm actively dominates.

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Drivers, Drivers, Drivers!​

Microsoft reiterates what many of us sometimes skip: update your drivers. The reality is, these advanced features rely on neural processing architectures baked into modern CPUs, NPUs (Neural Processing Units), and GPUs. Chipmakers like AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm have optimized drivers to leverage the hardware’s full AI-driven capabilities.
Three must-dos for those eyeing this update:

1. Toggle “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” in Settings > Windows Update.
2. Regularly click Check for updates to ensure compatibility.
3. (For the nerds) Pull early-stage driver packets from partners like AMD and Intel to fully experience the bleeding-edge builds.

For reference:

• AMD Users: Ryzen chipset GPUs/CPUs need their latest graphics drivers.
• Intel Users: If you're rocking the Intel Core Ultra 200V processor, grab their newly-minted NPU driver.

Without proper updates, features like live captions and translations become little more than vaporware.

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Behind the Scenes: The Technology That Makes It All Work​

Let’s pump the brakes for a moment and explore the underlying technology enabling these capabilities:

Copilot+: Microsoft's AI Ambassador​

Copilot+ isn't your average assistant—it’s powered by AI via on-device neural engines. For years, Microsoft has been integrating artificial intelligence deeply into Windows and members (read: Azure Cloud)—Copilot+ is the practical fruit of that journey.
Real-time live captions and translations leverage:

• NPU Power: Neural Processing Units, specifically built for machine-learning tasks, are taking the reins from your CPU/GPU in devices like Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen.
• Speech Recognition Models: Leveraging Microsoft's cloud-based language engines backed by Azure.
• Language Models: Frames user speech-to-text components to match local accents and language quirks.

These features aren’t just slapped-together; they're actively part of Microsoft's broader goal to integrate AI-enhanced efficiency directly on the Windows experience layer.

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AI Localization Meets Speech Accessibility​

The amalgamation of AI-enhanced multi-language translation and accessibility tools speaks to larger priorities—not just for Microsoft, but tech in general. Take the thousands of native and minority language speakers historically ignored by voice-processing technologies. By broadening real-time captions to over 44 languages, Microsoft significantly lowers IT entry barriers for global users, particularly communities where English remains a secondary medium.
On that note:

• Are we headed for universal technology adoption globally instead of fragmented markets?
• Could this pave the way for AI-guided real-time conference translation analogous to what's promised in devices like Meta's AR-Guided tools?

Time will tell which enterprise vertical adopts such AI-inclusive accessibility en masse.

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How to Get and Test Build 26120.2705​

Testing the new features is as simple—or not—as joining the Insider Dev Channel, but here’s your roadmap:

1. Join the Windows Insider Dev Program (if you're not already part of it).
2. Ensure your preferred AMD/Intel Copilot+ PC is ready.
3. Update drivers using steps mentioned earlier.
4. Download Windows 11 Build 26120.2705.
5. Experiment with Live Captions and Real-Time Translation during MS Teams meetings, YouTube streams, or Zoom calls.

For Snapdragon users, performance tests will center around improved speed translating Simplified Chinese during real-time calls.

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Reflections: A Step Forward or Half-Measure?​

While Build 26120.2705 signals exciting inclusivity for AMD and Intel-powered PCs, we can't pretend it's perfect. Microsoft’s Copilot+ feels like it’s still juggling between legacy support for Snapdragon dominance and accommodating Intel/AMD. The known bugs list for these bleeding-edge features may lead many users to hesitate before full adoption.
Still, it’s impossible to deny the incredible forward momentum. Bringing live captions and real-time translation together represents a seismic shift in how we use our PCs to connect. Whether you’re sitting through a Japanese anime show or taking a client call from Berlin, your willingness to explore and adapt to these updates will determine how much you reap from 2024's last Dev Channel Build.
So, Windows users, how ready are you to smash the language barrier? Share your early trial experiences (and yes, the bugs) with the bustling community here on WindowsForum.com.

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Source: Inkl Final Windows 11 Dev Channel build of 2024 adds…