Microsoft is set to revolutionize the Windows experience with the integration of generative AI into both the operating system and its hardware. At the keynote preceding its annual Build developer conference, Microsoft introduced the Copilot+ PCs and unveiled AI-powered features like Recall, designed to enhance user productivity by helping them find apps, files, and other content they’ve interacted with in the past.
Introducing Copilot+ PCs
The new Copilot+ PCs represent Microsoft’s vision for AI-first, flagship Windows hardware. These devices feature dedicated chips known as NPUs (Neural Processing Units) to support AI functionalities such as Recall. They come equipped with a minimum of 16GB RAM and SSD storage for optimal performance.
The initial models of Copilot+ PCs will incorporate Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and Plus chips, which promise up to 15 hours of web browsing and 20 hours of video playback. Intel and AMD are also partnering with Microsoft to develop processors for these devices, with manufacturers like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung on board. Starting at $999, some Copilot+ PCs are already available for preorder.
New Surface Devices: Surface Pro and Surface Laptop
Microsoft also introduced the latest Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, focusing on performance enhancements and extended battery life.
Surface Laptop: Available in 13.8- and 15-inch models, the redesigned Surface Laptop features thinner bezels and a modern aesthetic. It offers up to 22 hours of battery life and is reportedly 86% faster than its predecessor, the Surface Laptop 5. The new model supports Wi-Fi 7 and includes a haptic feedback touchpad.
Surface Pro: The updated Surface Pro boasts a 90% speed improvement over the Surface Pro 9, an OLED HDR display, Wi-Fi 7 (with optional 5G), and an enhanced ultrawide front-facing camera. Its detachable keyboard now incorporates additional carbon fiber for reinforcement and haptic feedback.
AI-Powered Features in Windows 11
Windows 11 is set to include several new AI-driven features:
Recall: This feature helps users find apps and content they accessed weeks or months ago. Users can scroll through a timeline to revisit past activities, like a Discord chat about a potential purchase. Recall can create associations between colors, images, and other elements, allowing users to search for content in natural language. Microsoft emphasizes that all data associated with Recall is kept private and stored locally on the user’s PC.
Super Resolution: This feature can restore old photos by automatically upscaling them, and Copilot can now analyze images to offer creative composition suggestions. With the Cocreator feature, users can generate images and request the AI to modify or restyle them based on their drawings.
Live Captions with Live Translations: This function translates any audio passing through a PC into the user’s chosen language, supporting around 40 languages including English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Russian.
Windows Copilot Runtime
The Windows Copilot Runtime, a collection of approximately 40 generative AI models, powers features like Recall and Super Resolution. It forms a new layer of Windows, allowing generative AI-powered apps, including third-party ones, to operate without needing an internet connection. Notably, CapCut, the popular video editing app from ByteDance, will leverage the Windows Copilot Runtime to enhance its AI features.
Microsoft’s latest innovations with generative AI aim to transform both the hardware and software experiences on Windows. By introducing Copilot+ PCs and integrating AI-driven features, Microsoft is poised to enhance user productivity and redefine the capabilities of personal computing.
