Microsoft Introduces Copilot+ AI Laptops
The future is here! Microsoft introduces Copilot+ PCs at its Build conference. AI on a chip is here, but it requires a lot of PC power.
Microsoft is taking its Copilot AI to the next level by introducing Copilot+ PCs. The company boasts that its Surface laptops as Copilot-powered PCs featuring the most powerful AI processors.
The new PCs will require a specific neural processing unit (NPU), a minimum of 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The need for high-end internals will accommodate the memory and on-disk storage requirements needed to power large language models (LLMs).
Microsoft also notes that all new Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus and Elite-powered computers announced today will come with Copilot+ features preinstalled. Microsoft will release its new Surface Copilot+ PCs on June 18, 2024. Other manufacturers will follow suit shortly after. The PCs will start at an affordable price of $999.
However, it’s worth noting that only PCs in the Snapdragon ecosystem will come with the appropriately powered NPUs. Currently, AMD and Intel processors do not meet the requirements. That includes the PCs on the market with NPUs already installed. But HP, Dell, Acer, and other PC manufacturers have roadmaps for higher processing power and all-day battery life.
New Advanced Features and Out-of-the-Box Security
An interesting new feature is “Recall” which will find lost information stored on the device. Recall acts like a “photographic memory” for the PC. The search feature on Windows has typically been less than spectacular — leaving users to turn to third-party solutions like Everything by Voidtools. So, if it works as advertised it may be a remarkable improvement to the Windows experience.
A focus on security was also announced with the new PCs. Microsoft Corporate Vice President and Consumer Chief Marketing Officer Yusuf Mehdi said the Copilot+ PCs will come secured out of the box. “Microsoft Pluton Security processor will be enabled by default on all Copilot+ PC,” he pointed out. Mehdi also noted some other updates and features will make it easy for users to stay secure.
Are AI-Powered PCs the Future?
Okay, so what does this all mean? Well, personal computing is going to the next level with the introduction of Copilot+ PCs. If you say, “I just want a computer,” the good news is you can still buy one without AI. Also, it’s safe to assume that getting a PC sans AI will remain a buying choice.
It’s also worth noting that, you can still disable Copilot on Windows 11 if you want it out of your way. But with Copilot+ PCs, disabling it will undoubtedly be harder if not possible. And even if you can, you won’t want to since you will want to get everything out of the device.
Still, with the introduction of “AI on a chip,” it will be something you will need to learn to use whether you like it or not. If you are a fan of AI, the good news is that you can buy these first-gen Copilot+ PCs starting on June 18th.
Of course, this is a first-generation product, which will undoubtedly improve over time, so you might want to hold off until the technology improves. To check out the full Microsoft event, check out the video below. You can also head to our free forums for further discussion on AI and AI-powered computers.
Leave a Reply
Leave a Reply
