Microsoft is reportedly working on a new “modern” Windows project, which will have AI (artificial intelligence), faster updates, and improved security to help it compete with its more modern rivals, says a report from Windows Central citing unnamed sources who are familiar with the company’s plans.
The Redmond giant is working on a project codenamed “CorePC” that is designed to be a “modular and customizable variant of Windows” for Microsoft, which can be used on different kinds of devices and form factors. Also, it would offer desktop user native compatibility for applications win32 of legacy systems.
“Not all Windows PCs need the full breadth of legacy Win32 app support, and CorePC will allow Microsoft to configure “editions” of Windows with varying levels of feature and app compatibility,” reads the report.
At present, Windows is not state separated, which means everything from system files to program files is in one place.
However, Project CorePC apparently uses something called “state separation”, wherein the operating system, drivers, and applications are separated. This enables faster updates and a more secure platform via read-only partitions that prevent applications from modifying the registry, similar to iPadOS or Android.
Windows Central also reports that Microsoft is working on a version of CorePC designed for low-end educational PCs, which will compete for head-on with Google’s Chromebooks.
“A version of Windows that only runs Edge, web apps, Android apps (via Project Latte) and Office apps, designed for low-end education PCs is already in early testing internally, and is roughly 60-75% smaller than Windows 11 SE,” the report added.
Earlier this year, Microsoft’s Panos Panay spoke of how “AI will reinvent the way you do everything in Windows” starting with the recently launched AI-powered Bing Search and Microsoft 365 (Copilot) apps.
“Some AI features being developed include the ability for Windows to analyse content on display and provide contextual prompts to jumpstart projects or apps based on the information that’s currently being viewed. Windows may also be able to identify objects and text within images, and allow the user to easily cut out and paste those items elsewhere. Some AI features will require dedicated hardware to function.”
While the CorePC project does not yet have a confirmed release date, Microsoft would be hoping to get it ready in time for “Windows 12”, which is widely expected to launch sometime in 2024. The company has not yet commented on the report.
