Exciting Updates for Win11: Transforming Your Mobile Phone into a Camera, Enhancements to Copilot, and Improved Power Saving Mode

Gamingdeputy reported on April 17 that Microsoft has already Win11 A feature update has been released, but the “Moment 5” update has relatively few changes, with only a few notable new features and minor changes. The 24H2 version, which will be released in the second half of 2024, will bring more surprises to users.

Although the full feature list of Windows 11 24H2 version has not yet been announced, we already know about many new features coming to the operating system. The following are the five most anticipated updates (Gamingdeputy Note: Some of these features will be launched before the 24H2 version):

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Mobile phone turns into webcam

Win11 will support usingAndroidSmartphone as wireless webcam. Modern smartphone cameras are of excellent quality, even surpassing many expensive webcams. Future Windows 11 updates will allow users to use their phone's camera during video calls on their computer, and provide additional effects adjustments (such as HDR) and other features.

Microsoft wants to make this feature as convenient and easy to use as possible. Win11 will provide a dedicated floating window with all control options and additional information such as connection status and battery level. Currently, the ability to use an Android smartphone as a Win11 computer camera is available to all Windows internal testers who have installed the Link to Windows app version 1.24012 and above.

Deeper Copilot integration

Win11's current artificial intelligence assistant “Copilot” feels more like a feature added after the fact, and the truly practical Windows-related functions are very limited. Fortunately, Microsoft is working on making its new AI assistant even more powerful at interacting with hardware. Users will soon be able to ask “Copilot” to scan for Wi-Fi networks, display device information, report battery levels, toggle power-saving modes, clear storage, take screenshots, use accessibility features, and more.

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These features may not sound amazing, but for users who are not familiar with computers, they can indeed make it easier to control Win11 computers.

Built-in QR code generator

This is a relatively minor feature update, but such subtle features often improve the convenience of the operating system. One of the future Windows updates will allow users to generate QR codes when sharing links, making it easier to transfer websites from computers to phones.

Power saving mode for desktops

Microsoft is working on extending existing power saving modes to more devices, such as desktop computers that don't traditionally rely on rechargeable batteries. The new power-saving mode will extend battery life at the expense of performance, allowing the computer to use less energy when it reaches a certain power level or even when plugged into a power source.

When power saving mode is turned on through the Settings app or the quick settings floating window, a new leaf icon will appear in the notification area to inform users that the system is reducing performance levels to save power.

Richer lock screen widgets

Win11's lock screen will soon display more useful information. The current version allows users to place weather widgets, and future updates will add more options such as stocks, traffic conditions, sports events, and more. Of course, these widgets are optional, and users can still choose to use a simple and clean lock screen interface on Win11 computers.

Bonus: Wi-Fi refresh button

The network settings interface will finally have a dedicated refresh button, allowing users to rescan for available networks if they can’t find the one they’re looking for. It's unclear why it took Microsoft so long to implement such a simple feature, but it's better late than never.

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