Microsoft showcased a new era of AI-integrated personal computing at its annual Build developer conference this week.
The company introduced Copilot+ PCs, a line of Windows machines designed to prioritize AI experiences. These PCs feature dedicated chips called NPUs to power AI capabilities like Recall, a feature that helps users easily locate past apps, files, and content.
Copilot+ PCs boast impressive specifications, including a minimum of 16GB of RAM and SSD storage.
The initial models will be equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and Plus chips, promising extended battery life of up to 15 hours for web browsing and 20 hours for video playback.
Microsoft has also partnered with Intel and AMD to develop processors for future Copilot+ devices, collaborating with manufacturers like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung.
In addition to Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft unveiled new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro models, emphasizing performance and battery life.
The latest Surface Laptop offers a redesigned, sleek look with thinner bezels and boasts up to 22 hours of battery life, a significant improvement over its predecessor.
The new Surface Pro also promises enhanced speed, a new OLED HDR display, and an upgraded camera. Both devices support Wi-Fi 7 and feature haptic feedback touchpads.
Microsoft is further integrating AI into Windows 11 with features like Recall, which utilizes a local, private semantic index to help users find content on their PCs using natural language. Other AI-powered features include Super Resolution for restoring old photos and Live Captions with live translations in over 40 languages.
These advancements are made possible by the Windows Copilot Runtime, a collection of generative AI models that form a new layer within Windows. This, combined with the semantic index, allows AI-powered apps to run even without an internet connection.
Microsoft's commitment to AI extends beyond its own products, with third-party apps like CapCut also utilizing the Windows Copilot Runtime to accelerate their AI features.
With the launch of Copilot+ PCs and new AI-powered features, Microsoft is pushing the boundaries of personal computing, making AI more accessible and integrated into users' everyday workflows.