Microsoft is working hard on a new version of Windows which could be released in 2024 under the codename “Hudson Valley.” This update marks a change in how Microsoft develops and ships Windows, likely influenced by changes in leadership and the general shake-up happening inside Microsoft this year.
While it seems Windows 11 only just arrived on the scene, Microsoft seems very keen to make the most of its recent investments in AI, which may be the reason behind the push to get this next version into consumers’ hands in the next year. Windows releases are always of interest, regardless of their reasons, so here is a look at the changes and innovations expected in this next-gen Windows platform. Will it be Windows 12? We will just have to wait and see.
Shift in strategy
The introduction of the Hudson Valley update marks a departure from the previous leadership’s approach under Panos Panay (who recently announced his move to Amazon). Under Panay, Windows had adopted a rhythm of releasing smaller, more frequent feature updates, known internally at Microsoft as “Moment” updates, alongside a traditional three-year cycle for major platform releases.
However, the new leadership team, which oversees the Windows & Web Experiences division, is reverting to an annual release cycle for major platform updates. This shift is a return to a more traditional update schedule, taking a more sparing approach of using Moment updates for minor feature enhancements.
Key features, timeline
The Hudson Valley update, set to be rolled out in 2024, is based on the Germanium platform release, which is expected to achieve a Release To Manufacturing (RTM) milestone in April of the same year. Despite this, the complete rollout of the Hudson Valley update is not anticipated until September or October 2024, allowing for additional development and refinement over the northern summer months.
Advanced AI
One of the most notable aspects of Hudson Valley is its emphasis on advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. These capabilities will likely make their way into various aspects of the operating system, offering supposedly ground-breaking enhancements and functionalities.
A key feature includes the integration of an AI-powered Windows Shell with an advanced Copilot system. This system is designed to operate continuously in the background, helping people find things, initiating projects or workflows, and understanding user context.
If the update can help Word open the folder of the most recent file we worked on instead of just showing us the Onedrive folder when we click Save As, we can totally get behind this.
Other AI innovations
The update is expected to introduce a new history/timeline feature (not to be confused with that other Timeline feature that Microsoft cancelled back in 2021), which will let people revisit past activities on the system, filtered by specific search criteria. Enhanced search is also on the horizon, with the ability to understand natural language queries, allowing users to locate documents or information by simply typing out what they want in everyday language.
Content creation
Beyond the AI-focused advancements, the Hudson Valley update also plans to introduce a dedicated area within the Start menu and File Explorer, tailored for content creators. This area will serve as a hub for Microsoft’s suite of creative tools and services, providing streamlined access to applications like Microsoft 365, Designer projects, Word, and PowerPoint.
In terms of energy efficiency, Microsoft is reportedly working on significant improvements to the Windows energy-saving function, potentially extending battery life by up to 50% on compatible hardware. A new “green power” feature, aimed at optimising charging cycles based on the availability of renewable energy sources, is also in development, although for South Africans this will be moot considering our uncertainty at electricity availability regardless of source.
Branding dilemma
In the middle of all this, it seems nobody knows for sure what Microsoft will call this version of Windows. Will it just become part of Windows 11 via updates, or will Microsoft take maximum advantage of the fuss that an entirely new version of Windows will doubtless cause?
The final decision, which we must stress has not been made, will likely be influenced by whatever marketing potential Microsoft thinks they can squeeze out of this. The smart money is on it being called Windows 12 since the core of the operating system certainly sounds like it’s going to be so different from anything that came before, but only time will tell.
Should businesses care?
It would be naïve of anyone to think AI and a version of Windows that uses it at every turn don’t have major implications for businesses. Yesteryear’s considerations of licensing costs and having the right hardware to run it aside, businesses will now need to ask themselves if they can afford not to upgrade to the next version of Windows, considering the potentially game-changing AI functions it will likely ship with. Since AI is touching everything from OS security to search to data analysis and the overall end-user experience, the potential for increased productivity is certainly there.
It’s still early days, though, and much energy will be put into analysing these considerations in the coming months, but for now, we’re just shining a light on what’s headed our way from Microsoft so that our business readers are at least aware of it for now.
In other words, we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we’re not sure if it’s an escape from the darkness or an oncoming train just yet. Best to just keep an eye on it, in case.
Windows to the future
The Hudson Valley update certainly seems to be a significant evolution of Windows, and it’s being driven by Microsoft’s feverish focus on AI integration, enhancing the user experience, and the long-term sustainability of the Windows brand.
As Microsoft makes its way through these changes under new leadership, there’s no doubt a lot of people, myself included, are eagerly anticipating this next-gen Windows. And if all goes well, the year ahead could well be a watershed moment in the operating system’s ongoing development.
Exciting times.