Windows Insiders and the broader Windows user community just hit the jackpot this week with the release of the latest major update to Windows 11—version 24H2. However, let's not get too excited just yet, as this shiny new package may not be for everyone, particularly if your hardware lags behind the latest technology. Let's dissect what's new and what's to come, and more importantly, what it all means for you, the user.
So, what’s the big deal? Support for Wi-Fi 7 is included, a technology that swoops in with the promise of blazing-fast connectivity. Yet, like a mirage in the desert, very few PCs have been equipped with Wi-Fi 7 cards, which diminishes the excitement surrounding this advancement.
One of the most intriguing additions is “Recall.” This feature intends to pick up where tasks left off, making it easier to resume work on previously opened applications—something reminiscent of the much-maligned Timeline feature from Windows 10, but now with broader applicability.
Another interesting forthcoming feature is “Click to Do,” which allows users to perform action recommendations based on whatever is on their screen at that given moment. The promise is enticing—photos could be seamlessly edited, or text could be formatted on-the-fly.
While the updates seem intriguing, there's an air of skepticism surrounding the actual utility of AI in real-world applications. The focus now lies on whether Microsoft can truly deliver on its promise to make AI an integral piece of the Windows ecosystem.
Additionally, updates include enhanced use of the Widgets panel, which introduces new widget functionalities that allow you to set timers and countdowns directly from the interface.
Microsoft also has made strides in supporting 6GHz Wi-Fi hotspots, which could be a game-changer for latency intensive tasks, even if it remains somewhat niche for now.
So, hold onto your hats, Windows enthusiasts! It’s going to be an interesting—and potentially frustrating—ride as we delve into the future of Windows updates. Keep your feedback coming; your thoughts might nudge Microsoft in the right direction! See you next week with more on this never-ending journey of Windows evolution!
Source: XDA The Windows Forecast: The big 2024 Update is here, and more AI features coming soon
The Big...ish Update for 2024
On October 1, Microsoft unveiled one of its most anticipated annual updates, Windows 11 version 24H2. At first glance, it promises a range of innovative features, especially those powered by artificial intelligence (AI). However, a little digging reveals a catch: many of these features are reserved for users with qualifying hardware, particularly those sporting a Qualcomm Snapdragon X series processor. While some selected Intel and AMD processors may join the party, the majority of users could feel left out in the cold.So, what’s the big deal? Support for Wi-Fi 7 is included, a technology that swoops in with the promise of blazing-fast connectivity. Yet, like a mirage in the desert, very few PCs have been equipped with Wi-Fi 7 cards, which diminishes the excitement surrounding this advancement.
AI Features: Copilot+ and Beyond
Microsoft’s ambitious AI push is making its presence felt, albeit cautiously. While current AI implementations are still far from revolutionary, upcoming enhancements promise an interesting trajectory.Copilot+ Is Finally Becoming Useful
For a long time, the Copilot+ features felt more like window dressing than substantive additions. However, insiders can look forward to several novel functionalities set to roll out in the coming months. Will these updates finally give Copilot the kick it needs to be a utility rather than a novelty?One of the most intriguing additions is “Recall.” This feature intends to pick up where tasks left off, making it easier to resume work on previously opened applications—something reminiscent of the much-maligned Timeline feature from Windows 10, but now with broader applicability.
Another interesting forthcoming feature is “Click to Do,” which allows users to perform action recommendations based on whatever is on their screen at that given moment. The promise is enticing—photos could be seamlessly edited, or text could be formatted on-the-fly.
Mixed Reviews on AI Utility
Nevertheless, let’s hang on for a moment. With AI features still perceived as largely pointless, many users are unsure whether to get enthusiastic. Super Resolution in Photos, a feature aimed at improving images, doesn’t seem to address the everyday issues most users encounter, like motion blur from shaky hands.While the updates seem intriguing, there's an air of skepticism surrounding the actual utility of AI in real-world applications. The focus now lies on whether Microsoft can truly deliver on its promise to make AI an integral piece of the Windows ecosystem.
What Insiders Can Actually Try
Insiders have already started to witness some changes, particularly in the Canary, Dev, and Beta channels. For example, the Dev channel now lets users configure the Copilot key to launch alternative apps, moving away from the somewhat irrelevant Copilot app.Additionally, updates include enhanced use of the Widgets panel, which introduces new widget functionalities that allow you to set timers and countdowns directly from the interface.
Microsoft also has made strides in supporting 6GHz Wi-Fi hotspots, which could be a game-changer for latency intensive tasks, even if it remains somewhat niche for now.
Wrapping Up: A Mixed Bag of Updates
Overall, while Windows 11 version 24H2 comes with a fair amount of new features, there's a significant gap between promise and practicality—especially for users who might not have the latest hardware. Microsoft's intentions to deepen the integration of AI users suggest an exciting future, but only time will tell whether these updates can add real, functional depth to the Windows experience.So, hold onto your hats, Windows enthusiasts! It’s going to be an interesting—and potentially frustrating—ride as we delve into the future of Windows updates. Keep your feedback coming; your thoughts might nudge Microsoft in the right direction! See you next week with more on this never-ending journey of Windows evolution!
Source: XDA The Windows Forecast: The big 2024 Update is here, and more AI features coming soon
