Microsoft is making changes to its Windows roadmap after an internal reorg led to the departure of Panos Panay in September. Earlier this year, Panay had expressed optimism about the impact of AI on the Windows user experience, and the 2024 Windows update appears to align with that vision.

According to a report from Windows Central’s Zac Bowden, Microsoft will revert to releasing one major Windows update every year, rather than the smaller “Moment” updates it had been pushing earlier. Moment updates will still be used occasionally, but will no longer serve as the primary channel for new features.

The next Windows update, codenamed “Hudson Valley,” is set to introduce innovative AI features. However, there is no confirmation yet if it will be branded as “Windows 12.” Microsoft may be cautious about fragmenting its user base further, given that nearly 1 billion users are currently on Windows 10, which will also receive an Extended Security Update Program.

The upcoming Windows update, based on the new “Germanium” platform, is expected to debut next summer on PCs powered by Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Elite chips. The “Hudson Valley” update is anticipated to arrive later in the fall.

Key AI features planned for next year’s Windows include:
– Advanced Copilot: A new AI-powered Windows Shell feature that will integrate with Windows Search and offer various day-to-day productivity enhancements.
– AI-powered Windows Search: Introduction of generative AI technology to enhance Windows Search functionality using natural language.
– New History/Timeline feature: Enhanced search capabilities and app/website retrieval for users.
– Super Resolution for videos and games: Use of NPUs to enhance video and game quality and resolution.
– Enhanced Live Captions: System-level Live Captions feature improvements for real-time language translation.
– AI-powered wallpapers: AI-based parallax effect for wallpapers and dynamic response to user movement.

Other improvements expected include the addition of shortcuts to productivity services in the Start Menu and File Explorer, and significant enhancements to energy saving, potentially offering up to 50% improved battery life for some devices.

In addition, Microsoft is reportedly working on an experimental desktop interface that relocates the System tray and other taskbar elements to the top of the screen. It is unlikely to ship in 2024, as it still remains in an experimental phase, according to Bowden.