Microsoft is exploring a hands-free smart home system for Windows technology
A new Microsoft patent shows that the company is working on an autonomous smart home system for Windows devices.
This “multi-device cross-experience” will be powered by artificial intelligence, he says technical news site Windows Report. It allows connected hardware to communicate with each other via “advertising” and without direct user input. Advertising in this context does not refer to literal commercials, but rather to signal transmissions. Gadgets on the system continuously communicate with each other and trigger actions when criteria are met. For example, an electric car can send a notification to the owner’s smartphone or laptop saying that he has left the door open. Or you can transfer a phone call from one device to another.
As a side note, we’re not entirely sure why these broadcasts are called advertisements. Perhaps Microsoft is evoking the image of advertisements: bits of information constantly bombarding the peripherals of this proposed smart home network.
Smart in design
Such technology already exists in some form. As Windows Report points out, Microsoft’s system functions in the same way as Qualcomm’s snapdragon seamlessly and Samsung Galaxy Connected. These two are cross-platform networks that allow connected devices to discover each other and share information seamlessly, hence their name.
The main difference from Microsoft’s version is the aforementioned AI, which allows the system to “intelligently decide… when to act.” The patent explains that the AI allows network gadgets to send contextually appropriate notifications to users. Additionally, it can determine if the scenario requires another device. In addition, various connectivity standards will be supported. This includes, but is not limited to, Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, cellular signals, “and even cloud connections.”
There is one big flaw in all of this. The author of the patent states that the system requires a huge amount of power to operate. Devices’ batteries run out quickly when they are plugged in because they are constantly sending signals over the network.
What’s next
It’s unknown when Microsoft’s autonomous smart home system will launch, if at all. The technology appears to be in its early stages, although Windows Reports believes it could be available soon. The publication argues for the recent introduction of Copilot and that of the company proclamation that 2024 is the year of AI as signs of what is about to happen. It also points out rumors claiming Windows 12 is available gets ‘groundbreaking AI’.
In our opinion, the new network probably won’t materialize for a while – assuming it even exists. Although the presence of a US patent indicates Microsoft’s interest in the project, many patents never see the light of day as commercial products. Additionally, the document provides several examples of how the system could work, but it does not describe exactly how it works.
If you’re interested in reading about what Microsoft is coming up with, the patent could be it read for free on the official website from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Be warned, the material is quite dense.
Check out Ny Breaking’s list of the best smart home devices for 2024 if you’re looking to spruce up the home.