Microsoft is gearing up to unveil new features in its upcoming “Release Preview” updates for Windows 11, expected to roll out in April 2025, just ahead of the company’s 50th anniversary. The new features are heavily focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and will be available on select PCs with advanced hardware.
Semantic search is a flagship AI feature that allows users to search for content without specifying exact words or titles. This functionality will be integrated into Windows Search as well as Settings, but only on Snapdragon PCs with NPUs (neural processing units). Users with AMD- or Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs will have to wait.
The update also brings live captions and real-time translation to Copilot+ PCs with AMD and Intel processors, while users with Snapdragon PCs can enjoy real-time English-Chinese translation. Microsoft is using AI to “loosen up” Voice Access, allowing users to describe commands instead of exact syntax.
Other new features include the addition of top cards in Windows Settings, showing key PC specifications such as CPU, memory, and storage; a new Xbox gamepad keyboard interface for desktop PCs; an improved emoji interface; and enhanced widgets with greater control over lock screen visibility.
Source: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2647327/windows-11-april-2025-feature-update-adds-ai-semantic-search-and-more.html