Microsoft Surface and AI live updates: Copilot, new Surface devices and Windows 11
AI Takeover: New Microsoft Surface Ready?
Microsoft is set to reveal new Arm-powered Surface PCs and further AI integrations across its products at a launch event ahead of the Build 2024 conference. The focus will be on enhancing Windows and other Microsoft offerings with AI capabilities. This event is not being livestreamed, but updates are provided live from Microsoft's Redmond offices.
What has been the historical challenge with Windows on Arm devices that Microsoft aims to overcome?
The historical challenge with Windows on Arm devices that Microsoft aims to overcome is performance limitations and compatibility issues. These challenges have made it difficult for Windows on Arm laptops to compete with traditional x86-based laptops. Microsoft is now confident that the upcoming Snapdragon X Elite processors from Qualcomm will deliver the performance needed to make Windows on Arm mainstream and overcome these challenges2.
What are the specific expectations from Microsoft's Build developer conference in 2024?
The specific expectations from Microsoft's Build developer conference in 2024 include the following:
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New Surface Hardware: Microsoft is expected to unveil new Surface devices, including a refresh for its consumer PCs. This is likely to consist of new 13- and 15-inch Surface Laptop 6 models with thinner bezels, larger trackpads, improved port selection, and the Arm-based Snapdragon X Elite chip. An Arm-based version of the Surface Pro 10 is also anticipated.
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AI Integration: Microsoft is likely to make some significant AI moves, building on its 2023 debut of ChatGPT-powered Bing Chat. The company has been working on ways to make Copilot local, meaning the AI assistant could answer simpler questions without an internet connection.
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Windows on Arm Developments: A session at the conference is expected to cover "the Next Generation of Windows on Arm", likely discussing how Windows runs on Qualcomm chips and how that differs from Intel and AMD versions of Windows2.
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AI Everywhere: Another session will cover how to "accelerate generative AI models" on devices that run in the cloud. An "Azure AI Studio" session will look at how developers can create their own Copilot chatbots.
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Expanded AI Skill Building Resources: Microsoft Learn will be at the Build conference to share news about its expanded AI skill-building resources and the latest in Microsoft Credentials.
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New AI PCs: Microsoft is set to showcase new AI-powered PCs from various manufacturers, including systems featuring Qualcomm’s Arm-based Snapdragon X Elite chip. These devices are expected to offer improved on-device AI and machine learning performance.
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Developments in AI and Machine Learning: The conference will also focus on the latest innovations in Microsoft developer tools and technologies, including developments in AI and machine learning6.
These expectations suggest that the Microsoft Build developer conference in 2024 will be heavily focused on AI integration across Microsoft's products and services, as well as the development of new hardware and software to support these AI features4.