AI-powered Super Resolution set to revolutionize Windows apps

Microsoft is reportedly working on bringing super resolution technology to Windows applications, which could improve performance and allow for easier access to upscaling features for media players and games.

Improved performance in games
Potential for easier access to super resolution technology for media players
Potential for wider application in games, including retro games

Microsoft is reportedly working on bringing super resolution technology to Windows applications. This technology, which has already made waves in the gaming industry, allows for improved performance in games by upscaling visuals, making it possible for game developers to release titles with advanced features that may otherwise struggle to run smoothly.

The discovery of this feature was made within the Windows 11 insider build of 24H2 release. Although it is currently hidden, some power users were able to find a reference to the technology and enable it. The feature can be found in the System → Display → Graphics options, where users can choose to enable ‘automatic super resolution’ or customize the settings for individual apps. According to reports, the feature will utilize NPU/AI-cores, including GPU Tensor Cores.

While the potential applications of this technology for Windows apps are not fully understood, one immediate use case that comes to mind is media players. Instead of relying on specialized app builds that incorporate super resolution technologies like RTX Video Super Resolution or FidelityFX Super Resolution, users would simply need to enable super resolution for the entire app.

Additionally, these settings could potentially be applied to games, allowing users to enable a similar feature to Radeon Super Resolution. This driver-level upscaling could benefit a wider range of games that may never receive official upscaling tech support, such as retro games.

The feature is currently present in the Windows 11 24H2 build, which is expected to be released later this year. However, there is no confirmed date for its release, nor has it been confirmed whether this feature will be included in the public version of Windows 11.

Source: PhantomOfEarth

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Background Information

About Microsoft: Microsoft, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975 in Redmond, Washington, USA, is a technology giant known for its wide range of software products, including the Windows operating system, Office productivity suite, and cloud services like Azure. Microsoft also manufactures hardware, such as the Surface line of laptops and tablets, Xbox gaming consoles, and accessories.

Technology Explained

GPU: GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit and is a specialized type of processor designed to handle graphics-intensive tasks. It is used in the computer industry to render images, videos, and 3D graphics. GPUs are used in gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices to provide a smooth and immersive gaming experience. They are also used in the medical field to create 3D models of organs and tissues, and in the automotive industry to create virtual prototypes of cars. GPUs are also used in the field of artificial intelligence to process large amounts of data and create complex models. GPUs are becoming increasingly important in the computer industry as they are able to process large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.

NPU: NPU, or Neural Processing Unit, is a type of specialized processor that is designed to handle complex artificial intelligence tasks. It is inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, with the ability to process and analyze large amounts of data simultaneously. In the computer industry, NPU technology is being used in various applications such as speech recognition, image and video processing, and natural language processing. This allows computers to perform tasks that were previously only possible for humans, making them more efficient and intelligent. NPU technology is also being integrated into smartphones, self-driving cars, and other devices, making them smarter and more responsive to user needs. With the increasing demand for AI-driven technology, the use of NPU is expected to grow and revolutionize the way we interact with computers in the future.

Radeon: AMD Radeon, a product line by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), consists of graphics processing units (GPUs) recognized for their strong performance in gaming, content creation, and professional applications. Powered by innovative technologies like the RDNA architecture, Radeon GPUs deliver efficient and powerful graphics processing. The brand also supports features like FreeSync, enhancing visual fluidity and reducing screen tearing during gaming. Moreover, AMD Radeon GPUs embrace real-time ray tracing for heightened realism in lighting and reflections. With a balance between price and performance, Radeon competes with NVIDIA's GeForce graphics cards and remains a popular choice for a wide range of users.

Tensor Cores: Tensor Cores are a type of specialized hardware designed to accelerate deep learning and AI applications. They are used in the computer industry to speed up the training of deep learning models and to enable faster inference. Tensor Cores are capable of performing matrix operations at a much faster rate than traditional CPUs, allowing for faster training and inference of deep learning models. This technology is used in a variety of applications, including image recognition, natural language processing, and autonomous driving. Tensor Cores are also used in the gaming industry to improve the performance of games and to enable more realistic graphics.