In the rapidly evolving landscape of computing, the next generation of computers is anticipated to usher in the era of "AI PCs," with various suppliers gearing up to unveil high-powered products aligning with this technological paradigm shift.
Recent reports suggest that Microsoft is poised to elevate the baseline specifications for its forthcoming operating system, Windows 12, slated for release in 2024. According to insights from industry analyst Trendforce, Microsoft intends to boost the minimum memory requirement for Windows 12 to 16GB, aligning it with the standard necessary for optimal functioning of its AI assistant, Copilot.
This adjustment in specifications signals a departure from historical norms where new system versions had relatively modest minimum requirements. For instance, Windows 11 mandates 4GB of memory, while Windows 10 necessitates 1GB for a 32-bit system and 2GB for a 64-bit machine.
Despite the gradual uptake of Windows 11, Windows 10 remains the most widely utilized Microsoft operating system. Notably, the industry appears to be placing its bets on consumers opting for new Windows 12 devices rather than upgrading their existing systems. Consequently, older models may face compatibility challenges, particularly concerning memory requirements. Trendforce underscores that this shift might prompt computer manufacturers to adopt 16GB as the new standard for entry-level products to align with the evolving demands of the Windows 12 operating system and the burgeoning AI PC market.
Several leading manufacturers, including Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, have recently unveiled systems on a chip (SoCs) designed to power the upcoming wave of AI PCs. These components boast performance metrics measured in trillions of operations per second, denoted as "TOPS." Trendforce reveals that Microsoft has set a benchmark of 40 TOPS for Windows 12.
To contextualize, current Intel Meteor Lake CPUs operate at 34 TOPS, rendering them unsuitable for AI PCs. However, the forthcoming Lunar Lake CPUs are anticipated to meet the criteria. The new AMD Zen 4 APUs fall slightly short at 39 TOPS, but the upcoming Strix Point Zen 5 APUs are expected to be compatible. Meanwhile, the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip surpasses the threshold with an impressive 45 TOPS.
In the dynamic AI landscape, where various companies are staking their claims, the role of Windows software is crucial as it serves as a linchpin connecting diverse computing systems. Microsoft's influence is poised to shape the trajectory of the AI PC landscape, making Windows 12 a pivotal player in defining the future of computing.
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