Experimental Windows 11 build brings Content Adaptive Brightness Control (CABC) to plugged in devices
Two weeks ago, Microsoft released a Windows 11 build to the Dev Channel which came with Content Adaptive Brightness Control (CABC) -- an energy-saving feature that works by dimming areas of the screen depending on the content that is being viewed. It was supposed to be something that would benefit all, including desktop users.
Shortly afterwards, Microsoft backtracked, and said the feature wouldn’t be available to desktops after all. From today, Canary Channel Build 25346 introduces CABC support for laptops and 2-in-1’s that are plugged into a charger.
Microsoft backtracks on new Content Adaptive Brightness Control feature in Windows 11 -- desktop users to miss out
When Microsoft released the latest Dev build of Windows 11, one of the new additions was Content Adaptive Brightness Control (CABC) -- an energy-saving feature that works by dimming areas of the screen depending on the content that is being viewed. Much was made of the fact that CABC was something that would benefit everyone, including desktop users. But it turns out that this is not actually the case.
Microsoft has now backtracked on its announcement, revealing that CABC is rather more underwhelming than we were first led to believe -- and far fewer Windows 11 users will be able to take advantage of it than first suggested.
See also:
[UPDATED] Content Adaptive Brightness Control will make Windows 11 more energy-efficient
Adaptive screen brightness is a familiar function of smartphones, with both iOS and Android boosting brightness in lighter conditions to improve screen visibility, and dimming it when it is darker so you're not blinded during nocturnal social media sessions. Now Microsoft is bringing a similar -- but better -- feature to Windows 11.
Microsoft's take on the feature is called Content Adaptive Brightness Control (CABC). There is a clue in the name about how it works, and it is about more than just ambient lighting conditions. [UPDATE: Microsoft has had something of a change of heart, as detailed here.]