I wasn’t aware Microsoft had an event today but they did. At their own special event on their campus, Microsoft along with Intel unveiled a new category of Windows PCs designed specifically for AI, named Copilot+ PCs. These devices are described as the fastest and most intelligent Windows PCs ever built, featuring powerful new silicon capable of delivering over 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS), all-day battery life, and access to advanced AI models.
The announcement spanned multiple topics but the main takeaway seems to be is that Microsoft is using their own Copilot+ PC term to steer away from the AI PC that Intel and the rest of the semicon companies have been using lately.
Key Features of Copilot+ PCs
Performance and Battery Life
- Neural Processing Unit (NPU): Copilot+ PCs feature NPUs that provide over 40 TOPS, significantly enhancing AI processing capabilities.
- Battery Efficiency: These devices offer up to 22 hours of local video playback and 15 hours of web browsing on a single charge, outperforming comparable models like Apple’s MacBook Air 15″ by up to 20% in battery life for local video playback.
AI-Powered Tools and Features
- Recall: Allows users to find and remember what they have seen on their PC using semantic search and a timeline feature, making it easier to locate documents, images, websites, and more.
- Cocreator: Enables near real-time generation and refinement of AI images directly on the device using a combination of text prompts and ink strokes.
- Live Captions: Provides real-time translation of audio from over 40 languages into English, making it accessible across any video or audio platform.
Collaboration and Device Availability
- OEM Partnerships: The first wave of Copilot+ PCs includes models from Microsoft Surface, Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung. These devices will be available for pre-order starting today and will launch on June 18, with prices starting at $999.
- Performance Comparison: These PCs offer up to 20x more power and up to 100x efficiency for AI workloads compared to previous models, integrating seamlessly with Azure Cloud for enhanced performance.
Security
- Software Integration: Copilot+ PCs support a wide range of native Arm 64 applications, including Microsoft 365 apps and popular software like Chrome, Spotify, and Zoom, ensuring optimal performance.
- Security Features: Every Copilot+ PC comes with the Microsoft Pluton Security processor enabled by default, along with new Windows 11 features to enhance security and privacy.
Looking Ahead for AI
- Advanced AI Experiences: Leveraging multiple AI models, Copilot+ PCs enable new experiences in creativity, productivity, and communication, running AI tasks locally to minimize latency and privacy concerns.
- Creative Applications: Integrations with Adobe, DaVinci Resolve Studio, CapCut, and other popular creative apps optimize AI performance using the NPU, enhancing user creativity and efficiency.
Businesses are encouraged to begin testing Copilot+ PCs for commercial deployment, taking advantage of the advanced AI features to boost productivity and collaboration. These devices are designed to be managed with existing IT tools and support.
Microsoft and Intel plan to expand the Copilot+ PC experience with future partnerships and developments, including integrating more powerful graphics cards like NVIDIA GeForce RTX and AMD Radeon for broader applications in gaming and content creation.
