I’ve covered every Windows release from the debut of Windows 95, and Windows 11 may be the most important release since the introduction of Microsoft’s first graphical user interface (GUI) operating system in 1985.
Since that first debut in 1995, a great deal has changed. In addition, Microsoft has done so, and Windows 10 will be the first major version of the operating system to be developed and released under Satya Nadella.
With a major shift in emphasis from previous important releases, Windows 11 almost ensures that the errors of Windows Vista and Windows 8 will not be repeated in the future, at least not under the direction of the present leadership.
It also offers a route to the next edition of Windows — which for the time being will be referred to as Windows 12 — which may be much more revolutionary.
To begin, let’s discuss the differences between Windows 11 and Windows 12. After that, we’ll wrap things off with my product of the week, an Asus laptop that raises the standard for laptop gaming performance.
Why Windows 11 Isn’t Going to Be a Dud
In the first decade of this century, we had a slew of Windows versions, beginning with Windows 2000 and the catastrophic Windows Millennium, and on through Windows XP, the train disaster that was Windows Vista, and finally Windows 7. Windows 7 was the most recent of these versions. Then, in late 2012, Microsoft released Windows 8. Following that, in 2015, soon after Satya Nadella was appointed CEO, Windows 10 was released, passing over Windows 9.
Given this background, Windows 11, the first operating system completely created under Satya Nadella, should be a dog. That is to say, whereas Windows XP was excellent, Windows Vista was subpar, Windows 7 was excellent, Windows 8 was awful, and Windows 10 was excellent.
The issue with all of those poor versions was that they each seemed to be striving to achieve some fanciful esoteric ideal, while the subsequent versions were narrowly focused on addressing the problems caused by the previous versions.
Consequently, the recurrent issue was an ill-conceived plan to alter the operating system, which resulted in failure, followed by a narrowly focused approach to repair what had failed. Because their objectives were well stated, the fixed goods were of high quality. The failure of the broken goods was due to the fact that their objectives were not clearly stated.
Windows 11 could have been another poorly thought-out product with a difficult-to-communicate objective, but it isn’t. What is the reason why it isn’t? Under the leadership of Satya Nadella, Microsoft undertook a difficult shift to a focus on, and improvement of, customer demands and experiences.
Essentially, this places Windows 11 inside the same sort of execution environment as Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 10 and allows it to run more efficiently. It concentrated the attention on repairing the situation. In this instance, items that irritated users were addressed, as well as the general upgrading of key components of the operating system. Security and the user interface are two of the most important components (UI).
Windows 11 Customizes Itself to You
Windows 11 is a free update for any legal Windows 10 machine that is capable of supporting the new operating system. Last but not least, it is not a given since it requires TPM 2.0 in the hardware and secure boot enabled in order to function. The goal of this security emphasis is to ensure that whole classes of malware will not be able to run on the system. It demonstrates a strong emphasis on security, which is essential for this edition given the enormous spread of malware and state-level attacks that has occurred over the last decade.
In fact, Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 far beyond 2025, and by that time, your non-compliant hardware should either be outdated or no longer work properly. Windows 11 also makes a significant shift away from being just an operational layer between the hardware and the programs that you are running to being a much more powerful operating system in its own right.
While I’ll be starting to work with Windows 11 with a number of you this week, it’s important to remember that the operating system won’t be finished until autumn. Many of the anticipated features — as well as, I assume, a handful of surprises (let’s hope they’re nice ones) — will not be revealed until close to the time of the product’s formal release.
It is the goal of Windows 11 to increase your productivity. In a recent interview, Microsoft Windows and devices CEO Panos Panay (shown above) described the aim of this service as “creating a secure home that you can love using and to which you can always safely return.” Windows 11 is the first version of the platform that has been intended, at least in part, to adapt to the way you work rather than forcing you to alter your work habits to accommodate the new operating system.
This effort to adapt to you is part of a much larger industry shift that is linked to the rise of artificial intelligence, the flipping of computer playbooks, and the development of systems that adapt to their users. Because of this emphasis, the practice of users needing to learn to adapt to their computers, which has been in place since the dawn of the computing era, is being challenged.
Highlights
One of the most notable features of Windows 11 is that it takes a strong shot at Apple’s strategy of monetizing everything, including other people’s work. Apple is now being sued for claiming a portion of the money generated by app developers for its own use. Microsoft enables app creators to retain the money they make, which should help them to pay their employees better and invest in new and improved titles in the future.
Microsoft realized that if its developers aren’t successful, they won’t be successful, and they took steps to ensure this. As a result, a significant portion of Microsoft’s emphasis will be on ensuring that its developers succeed on the platform. Windows 11 will have access to not just Windows titles, but also to Android apps via Intel’s bridge (which will work on AMD and Qualcomm systems as well), which will offer full application support for Android applications.
With the Auto HDR function on the Xbox, you can get more detail out of your games while still fully supporting Xbox Game Pass, which is Microsoft’s Netflix-like game subscription service. Enhancements for products such as Microsoft Teams to increase usability, as well as improved integration with their movie and television program purchasing engine (which offers pricing that is comparable to Amazon’s for rentals and purchases) (make it easier to identify and correct those annoying mistakes like talking with your microphone off).
As well as the ability to tip local authors, which will assist in covering their costs and promoting their work; small touches such as apps that match your Windows theme; and the ability to dictate speech to text, where punctuation, paragraphs, and sentence structure will be automatically modified in real-time; there will be more to come.
Final Thoughts: Looking Forward to Windows 12
Windows 11 will be designed as a creation stage for those who want to use it to build a better tomorrow; a platform that ensures agency so that developers can keep more of what they earn, mold to your needs, and serve society, rather than becoming an impediment to that society; and a platform that ensures developers can keep more of what they earn, mold to your needs, and serve society, rather than become an impediment to that society.
However, I believe that this is just the beginning of a new trend. Windows 12, which is expected to be released between 2025 and 2030, should take this concept a step further by incorporating embedded artificial intelligence and dynamic reconfiguration capabilities that will not only adapt to the way you typically work, but will also adapt to how your needs change throughout the course of the day.
Voice interfaces that are more advanced will enable you to control your PC from across the room; it will urge you to reply to messages and propose answers that you may modify or accept; it will assist you in brainstorming ideas and will begin to evolve into more of a life partner than a tool.
The device will also increasingly rely on the cloud for its advanced functions until, at some point in the future, it will simply serve as your public interface to a new wealth of low latency, high performance, and cloud capabilities that are tied to the smallest possible number of connected hardware devices.
The release of Windows 11 marks the beginning of Microsoft’s and our journey into a new era of computing. The computers adapt to humans, becoming more like friends and assistants, and setting the stage for future releases that will push this idea in the direction of closer human/machine connections and a more synergistic future, among other developments.
There will be a lot of excitement on the way!
The Asus ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition is a gaming laptop by Asus.
The Asus ROG Strix G15 gaming system arrived in the mail last week, and I couldn’t be happier. This is the first product to come out of the new AMD Advantage program that I’ve seen thus far.
As is the case with most serious laptop gaming setups, there are certain sacrifices to be made in order to achieve a reasonable price, keep it lightweight enough to transport, and offer exceptional performance. What’s more, the Asus ROG Strix is an excellent laptop in its own right.
With a stunning and high-speed 15.6-inch display, benchmarks that outperformed every other laptop device I’ve tested this year (including one portable workstation), and a modest $1.6K price tag, this is a gaming marvel.
Featuring a red brilliantly-lit keyboard with highlighted motion keys, surround illumination, and a unique cooling system that will keep your mouse hand warm even on the coldest of days, this laptop is completely dedicated to gaming (it puts out an impressive amount of heat).
Due to the fact that the ROG Strix G15 is already overclocked, its outstanding performance is not surprising. All AMD Advantage branded products, including this one, have been meticulously optimized to ensure that you receive every ounce of performance possible.
This laptop is intended only for hardcore gamers. There are many drawbacks to using this laptop for school or work. It is very heavy, with the notebook weighing about 5 pounds and the power supply adding another 2 pounds (roughly the weight of a MacBook Air). Due to its limited battery life of about six hours, you’ll need a power source if you want to use it for the whole day.
It doesn’t come with a camera, since the idea is that gamers will want to bring their own; and, considering how much heat this generates, I’d recommend keeping it away from your lap unless you have a pressing need to iron your privates.
Nonetheless, for those who want to be able to play their favorite games wherever they go without having to worry about trying to make their desktop rig portable, this is desktop-level gaming performance in a mobile setup. While it is large and hefty, it is much lighter and more portable than any gaming PC I have ever had the pleasure of using.
Those looking for a well-balanced light notebook for both work and education will be disappointed with this device. Although it is not my product of the week, the Asus ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition is an excellent choice if you are looking for a notebook that will outperform most desktop computers that are likely to come into contact with you in your daily life. It is a really remarkable effort!
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