Microsoft Launched New ‘Copilot+ PCs’ With AI Features Here’s What You Need To Know It’s May 2024, and technology is not just about mobile phones anymore, numerous companies have been launching products with AI features, and Microsoft is no exception. Recently, Microsoft introduced new Surface laptops, a Windows update, and, most notably, the debut of a new category called Copilot+ PCs at a special event.
These new AI-powered computers feature specialized artificial intelligence chips and faster performance, positioning Microsoft to revive the long-standing rivalry between Windows PCs and Apple Mac. Beyond the chips, the US-based software giant is also focusing on the Windows platform, preparing it as an AI platform powered by Arm chips.
Microsoft asserts that its latest PC, leveraging Arm architecture-based chips from Qualcomm, is one of the fastest and most efficient personal computers ever produced. According to Microsoft, these Copilot+ PCs surpass Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Air with the M3 chip by up to 58 percent in sustained multithreaded performance.
Furthermore, the Qualcomm chips in these PCs feature dedicated neural processing units (NPUs) capable of over 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS), which will enable advanced AI tools and features to run natively. Additionally, Microsoft announced that the Copilot+ PC experience will extend to Intel and AMD-powered devices with the forthcoming Lunar Lake and Strix chips, respectively.
This is just the beginning; following Microsoft’s lead, other OEMs such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung will also introduce Copilot+ PCs based on the new Qualcomm X-series chips, starting on June 18.
Microsoft recently announced their plans to develop Windows as an AI platform, powered by ARM chips. The company stated that the Windows platform will utilize the new 45 TOPS NPU to introduce more AI-driven tools and features to the Copilot+ PCs. Among these is a new “Recall” feature, which functions like a photographic memory for Windows PCs, enabling users to easily track and find information by recalling anything that has appeared on the PC’s display. This feature will operate entirely on-device, ensuring user privacy. Additionally, the Windows platform will see notable enhancements, including the integration of AI-powered Image Creator features into native applications such as Paint and Photos.
Microsoft has also disclosed its collaboration with developers to ensure optimal app support for the new Arm-based Copilot+ PCs. The upcoming range of PCs will initially support select Adobe apps such as Photoshop, Lightroom, and Express, with plans to introduce Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and additional applications to the platform later. Furthermore, other software, including DaVinci Resolve Studio, CapCut, Cephable, LiquidText, djay Pro, and more, will be supported out of the box.
Microsoft has introduced the model in two variations: the Surface Laptop and the Surface Pro Laptop. Both of these laptops represent among the first devices to provide Copilot+ Windows experiences straight out of the box.
