Microsoft Windows 11 Build 26200 leaks AI features: aihost.exe, screen understanding, discovery

Microsoft Windows Copilot on Microsoft Windows 11 (and Microsoft Windows 10) isn’t that helpful or thrilling, however that can change quickly with “AI Explorer”. Thanks to Build 26200, we all know what’s coming to Microsoft Windows 11 as a part of the large AI improve, which is predicted to start rolling out on Snapdragon X Elite and Plus PCs in September/October.

Microsoft Windows 11 24H2’s flagship characteristic is “AI Explorer,” which was not too long ago noticed in Microsoft Windows 11 Build 26100. It is designed to leverage the facility of neural processing models (NPUs) to document your display and actions after which make them searchable.

For instance, AI Explorer will document what you do in your PC, apps that you just use, emails despatched or obtained, and different actions. It will then make these actions “searchable,” permitting you to work together along with your knowledge, discover them in a timeline and more. However, the characteristic goes past merely recording your actions.

As famous by Microsoft watcher Albacore, references to AI Explorer’s options have been noticed in Build 26200. This features a latest “Screen Capture” characteristic, which tries to seize your display and course of it using AI.

The AI Explorer UI bundle in Microsoft Windows 11 Build 26200 additionally hints at intriguing characteristic names corresponding to Sidebar Island, Shoulder Tap, Screen Understanding, Intent Engine, and Discovery Overlay.

So, what are these codenames? I don’t understand how precisely they work, however the “Screen Understanding” permits AI Explorer to have a look at your display and make options so you may take motion. This makes the AI context-aware, as it may possibly detect app windows and make options primarily based on what’s on the display.

There can also be a latest executable, “aihost.exe,” that appears to energy display understanding and different stuff. According to references inside baker.dll, a latest file added to Microsoft Windows 11 with Build 26200, you’ll have to allow “screen understanding” to “continue enjoying AIX power.”

Here are among the strings:

• Screen understanding is on AI Host is just not working.
• Screen understanding is paused.
• Models usually are not out there and should be downloaded. AI Host is just not responding.
• Try terminating aihost.exe from Task Manager.

The second fascinating codename is “Discovery Overlay”, which is able to seem round your taskbar, suggesting you are taking motion. This might be just like the present Copilot actions however more superior and context-aware:

To help AI Explorer options, the system necessities are notably excessive:

• ARM64 CPU
• At least 16 GB of RAM
• A minimal of 225 GB on the system drive
• Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus with NPU.

These necessities counsel future units with AI Explorer might begin with configurations of at the very least 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. This marks a big improve from earlier 8GB baseline configurations provided by Microsoft and OEMs.

For instance, we have now noticed the Surface Pro 10 with 16GB of RAM. The 8GB base doesn’t exist.

Microsoft and OEMs might supply lower-tier AI PCs, however these received’t help AI Explorer capabilities.

New AI Explorer-related icon noticed

As proven within the above screenshot, Albacore additionally noticed a latest, vibrant “AI Explorer” emblem, which appears to be constructed across the Microsoft Copilot emblem. However, there’s additionally a latest star-shaped icon throughout the AI Explorer emblem.

I adopted Albacore’s lead and located the AI Explorer emblem in glyphs associated to AI Explorer options:

Here’s an HD model of the AI Explorer icon for mild mode:

And right here’s an HD model of the AI Explorer for darkish mode:

The launch date is September/October

If you purchase a Snapdragon X Elite or X Plus PC once they ship in mid-2024, you’ll nonetheless want to attend till September or October to strive these AI options.

Most latest AI options might be prepared in September/October when the primary characteristic drop is rolled out to Snapdragon X PCs.