We’ve been hearing rumors for over a year now about the potential release of Windows 12, the next major update to Microsoft’s well-known operating system, possibly in 2024. Microsoft has neither confirmed nor denied these speculations, maintaining their usual silence on such matters. However, eyebrows were raised when Intel’s chief financial officer, David Zinsner, recently hinted at an upcoming Windows release expected to boost sales of new PCs and processors.
Zinsner, unintentionally revealing information while speaking at the September Global Technology Conference of Citigroup, was quoted as saying, “We actually think [24] is going to be a pretty good year for client]processor sales], in particular, because of the Windows refresh,” as reported in an investor site Seeking Alpha transcript. He emphasized the need for a refresh of the existing PC foundation due to its aging state, hinting at a significant update to the Windows operating system.
While many experts speculated that Zinsner was referring to Windows 12, the crucial term in this context is “refresh” rather than a specific edition number. The exact branding by Microsoft may not be the focal point, but the potential for a substantial update to Windows, with a focus on enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, is evident. This shift towards AI is expected to surpass the current Copilot for Windows, their generative AI tool.
Analyst Bajarin suggests that this update will introduce software demanding higher compute levels, a significant advancement in the realm of Windows. The integration of AI-related technologies is poised to revolutionize the computing experience, catering to the evolving needs of users and businesses alike.
The discussion extends to the realm of generative AI tools and large language models, which have spurred the development of server farms equipped with advanced GPUs. The question arises: what advantages can a single desktop computer offer in this landscape? The answer lies in the transition towards inference-based AI, where the emphasis shifts from instruction to deduction, requiring less powerful processors for processing.
Furthermore, the emphasis on data privacy and independence drives the preference for local AI operations over cloud-based solutions. The cost-effectiveness and security offered by on-premises AI operations outweigh the benefits of cloud computing, especially as models become more efficient and computing capabilities advance.
In the semiconductor sector, Intel faces new competition as Qualcomm enters the arena with AI-centric processors, challenging the dominance of established players like Intel and AMD. Qualcomm’s AI processor boasts impressive performance metrics, surpassing its competitors in AI processing capabilities. Additionally, Nvidia’s potential entry into the desktop processor market further intensifies the competition, signaling a shift in the AI landscape towards diversified options for consumers and businesses.
The evolving landscape of AI in computing signifies a paradigm shift in the industry, offering consumers a broader array of choices and advancements in AI technology that are set to reshape the computing experience in the near future.
