This week, Microsoft started rolling out the Windows 11 2024 update, but it quickly became clear that the company was far more eager to unveil new features for its Copilot AI and Copilot AI PCs. In this episode, Devindra and Cherlynn chat about Microsoft's current AI priorities, and what it means for people with older PCs. Also, we discuss the death of HoloLens and Microsoft giving up on AR as Meta, Apple and even Snap build for an augmented reality future. Listen below or subscribe on your podcast app of choice. If you've got suggestions or topics you'd like covered on the show, be sure to email us or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcast, Engadget News! Tech debt led to Sonos' disastrous app relaunch, will they be able to win users back? Google is making Gmail summaries more useful and adding a "happening soon" tab to your inbox – 41:11 Harvard students hack together facial recognition for Meta's smart glasses that instantly doxes strangers – 44:00 ...

Now that we're a few years into Microsoft's obsession with AI and its Copilot assistant, it's clearer than ever that Windows 11's role is to show off the company's artificial intelligence prowess. At least, that's the message I took away from today's announcement that the Windows 11 2024 (version 24H2) update is now beginning to roll out. While the OS itself is getting a few new features, like long overdue File Explorer tweaks, Microsoft is far more eager to hype up new Copilot AI PC capabilities. There's "Click to Do," which triggers Copilot to assist you with whatever is on your screen, like removing an object in the Photos app, or summarizing a long article. It's seemingly easy to use -- just hold the Windows button down and click your target -- and Microsoft says it'll offer contextually relevant tips.

Microsoft announced the beginning of the rollout of the Windows 11 2024 Update (version 24H2) today, but it may be a while before you get it. Microsoft is implementing what it's calling a "phased rollout" of the Windows 11 2024 Update and the first phase will begin "over the coming weeks," said John Cable, Microsoft's vice president of program management, Windows servicing and delivery, in a blog post on Tuesday. The Windows 11 2024 Update will be available to everyone and not just those who have bought a Copilot PC. But Copilot PC owners will be among the first to sample new Windows experiences that Microsoft will subsequently launch, with the goal of pushing them out to as many as possible by the 2024 holiday season. If you wish to be among the group that upgrades to the Windows 11 2024 Update/ Windows 11 24H2 as quickly as possible, follow the same best practices as you have previously. Your PC will need to be upgraded to either Windows 11 22H2 or Windows 11 23H2 and updated.

The big Windows 11 2024 Update (also known as Windows 11 24H2) is both a brand-new operating system but also one that's been out for several months now. And its best features are really reserved for those who have invested in a next-gen Copilot PC powered by chips from Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD. These seeming contradictions are at the heart of Windows 11 24H2, which begins rolling out today in a "phased" rollout that will last several weeks. But when you get it and what you get with it will all depend on whether you own a Copilot PC. In other words, there's a set of basic features that everyone will receive (including new energy-saving features for laptops and desktops, improved smartphone integration, plus support for Wi-Fi 7 and the upgraded 80Gbps capabilities of USB4), along with more advanced features that are only available to Copilot PC users.