A hardware tipster @leaf_hobby recently deleted a post revealing that Intel has been informed of Microsoft’s next-generation operating system. Intel’s internal documents mention that the upcoming Meteor Lake platform supports Windows 12 systems. Intel’s Meteor Lake CPUs may include 20 PCIe Gen5 lanes, and Wi-Fi 7 will make its debut.
Microsoft and Intel declined to comment on the post. In the summer of 2022, a new report says Microsoft has changed its plans to go back to releasing new Windows every three years, rather than continuously servicing one version (remember the “Windows 10 is the last Windows”) The last Windows 10. Although Microsoft has not yet confirmed Windows 12, it is already predicted to be the successor to Windows 11.
Microsoft is already trying to integrate AI into Windows 11. Although the first attempt was a bit lame, Microsoft is exploring different ideas to enhance its operating system with AI, as Microsoft’s consumer marketing chief explained in a recent interview with The Verge.
“As we begin to develop future versions of Windows, we will consider the natural role AI plays in their experience.”
Implementing AI-based features in Windows 12 means that Microsoft needs to strengthen its relationships with Intel, AMD and Qualcomm. So it’s not surprising to see the document mention the next operating system. AI-driven features typically require deeper integration with hardware, and the three PC processor makers are already working in that direction. For example, AMD’s recent Ryzen 7000 mobile chip has a dedicated AI engine for Microsoft Windows Studio Effects, including noise suppression, eye contact, background blur and more.
Intel’s Meteor Lake platform is expected to arrive in 2024, just before the third anniversary of Windows 11 and the big debut of Windows 12. However, there is no official confirmation yet. Moreover, Microsoft’s plans can be changed at any time, just as some products like the Surface Mini were canceled before their release.
