Microsoft's next-generation operating system blueprint: AI and cloud-based Windows

Tech giant Microsoft is increasing its investment in the field of artificial intelligence and cloud computing, aiming to seize the high ground in future technological development, with the Windows operating system playing a crucial role.

At the Microsoft developer Build conference held this week, the new Microsoft Windows chief Pavan Davuluri told the media that Microsoft will further promote the integration of AI with the Windows ecosystem, ushering in a new chapter in the era of AIPC:

"I believe that by integrating AI throughout the entire operating system, we can provide more value to Windows customers, which is our global vision."

As demonstrated at the Build conference, the impressive Recall feature allows users to easily search and retrieve any content on their personal computers, whether it be files, images, videos, or other digital records. This feature will greatly enhance the efficiency of users in retrieving personal data.

Furthermore, Microsoft plans to deeply involve AI in the application development process. The company's "Windows Copilot Runtime" tool suite will assist developers in leveraging over 40 built-in AI models from Microsoft to create new application experiences.

For example, developers can use the natural language processing model in Copilot Runtime to enable applications to have natural language interaction capabilities. With computer vision models, applications can also perform intelligent visual processing such as image recognition and object detection. Microsoft hopes to inspire the birth of more innovative applications by lowering the barrier to entry for AI technology development.

Davuluri told the media:

"I think it will unlock new possibilities because you will be able to do things in applications that were previously impossible. I think this is a significant step in enhancing the Windows ecosystem."

However, Windows Copilot Runtime is still in its early stages. It is designed for the new AIPC and Microsoft expects to sell 50 million such computers in the next year. This accounts for only 20% of IDC's estimated shipment of 247 million computers in 2023.

In addition to AI, Davuluri also believes that in the future, running Windows through the cloud rather than locally is crucial. Microsoft has been moving towards this goal through its Windows 365 service.

At the Build conference, Microsoft demonstrated the experience of running the Windows system on Meta Quest headsets through cloud services. New Windows volumetric applications can transfer 3D applications similar to HoloLens to VR headsets. Currently, this experience is designed for designers and CAD users, but Davuluri believes that once the operating system achieves cloud-native status, it will, like AI, completely disrupt the operating systems we are familiar with The combination of Windows and the cloud will have a significant impact on our future. It will also change many computing paradigms because I believe that once the operating system becomes cloud-native, we will have nearly unlimited computing scale in the cloud. I think this will make us rethink the operating system in a different way