Windows 11 Update: Advancements in Arm Support and AI Features

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As we dive into the ever-evolving world of Windows, this week has marked an exhilarating chapter, particularly for fans of Windows on Arm and artificial intelligence (AI) integration. Microsoft's recent announcements have left users buzzing with excitement, as significant updates transform how we use Windows 11. Grab your virtual toolbox; it's time to break this down!

Windows on Arm: A Growing Ecosystem​

The buzz surrounding Windows on Arm this week is as palpable as caffeine on a Monday morning. Microsoft has rolled out a fresh build of Windows 11 for Windows Insiders in the Canary channel, a move that offers early adopters a taste of what's to come. This new build introduces crucial enhancements to the Prism emulator—the unsung hero that allows x86 apps to operate seamlessly on Arm devices. By supporting additional CPU extensions like AVX and AVX2, this update paves the way for more applications to run natively, lifting one of the biggest hurdles for Arm users.

Key Improvements:​

  • Enhanced Emulator Support: The Prism emulator now provides essential extensions that apps like Adobe Premiere Pro require, enabling better performance and increased compatibility.
  • App Updates: Popular software, including Vegas Pro and Telegram Desktop, has announced native support for Arm, underscoring the growing ecosystem around Windows on Arm.
Windows on Arm is like that underdog movie we all root for; it looks to have finally found its stride, positioning itself as a serious contender in the computing arena.

AI Features: Are We Winning or Losing?​

Microsoft seems to be all in on AI, introducing a slew of new features for Windows 11—much to the delight and bewilderment of users. One noteworthy addition is the Rewrite feature in Notepad, which allows users to select text and let Copilot reword it. Sounds neat, right? Yet, there's a catch: it requires AI credits and does not run locally. This raises a significant question: should users with Copilot+ PCs have local processing capabilities for these features?

What’s New?​

  • Notepad’s Rewrite Function: A useful feature, but its dependence on AI credits can feel frustrating.
  • Generative Erase and Fill: Paint has introduced updates, but only certain features are exclusive to Copilot+ users, leading to confusion about their utility.
As cool as these updates are, they run the risk of turning into features that do little to distinguish Copilot+ PCs from others. After all, providing the option to process AI functions locally would save credits and create a more user-friendly experience.

The End of Paint 3D: A Bittersweet Farewell​

In a move that shocked no one, Microsoft has officially delisted Paint 3D from the Microsoft Store. Despite its ambitious start aimed at bridging the gap between 2D and 3D, it never quite took off. Now, as Paint evolves with more user-friendly features, Paint 3D's removal feels like it was written in the stars—the cosmic irony at play here is palpable, as 3D printing technology continues to gain traction.

Farewell Paint 3D:​

  • Limited Adoption: Though introduced with fanfare, Paint 3D's complexity and odd interface ultimately doomed it.
  • A Resurrection?: While it may be gone from the Store, clever users have found ways to access it. The memory of Paint 3D will likely fade, echoing the nostalgia we have for tech that just couldn’t make it.

Wrapping It Up: A Bright Future Ahead?​

Overall, the week has been a rollercoaster of announcements and updates in the Windows world. Windows on Arm is undeniably on an upward trajectory, and AI features, while puzzling, could reshape user experiences. With each update, there's hope for a more inclusive, efficient, and powerful Windows environment.
As we look toward the horizon, it’s clear that Microsoft’s commitment to AI and Arm technology will continue to shape the future of Windows 11. Here's to hoping for a week filled with more noteworthy advancements! What are your thoughts? Do you embrace Arm, or are you holding out for more robust AI features? Let’s spark a discussion!

Source: XDA Microsoft keeps betting on AI for Windows 11, and Arm PCs get even better