Microsoft ushers in new era of Windows with 'Copilot+' PCs — the true next-gen AI laptops are here
Is Microsoft's Copilot+ the Future of PCs?
Microsoft has introduced a new generation of AI-enhanced Windows PCs called Copilot+ PCs, set to launch this summer with exclusive next-gen AI features for Windows 11. These PCs require a powerful NPU and initially feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Series chips, with Intel and AMD versions expected later. Copilot+ offers advanced AI capabilities like Recall, which remembers user activity for easy retrieval, and enhanced Live Captions and Studio Effects, promising significant productivity boosts and creative assistance.
The first Copilot+ PCs, including Microsoft's own Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, are scheduled to ship in June. These devices will offer groundbreaking AI functionalities like image and text generation, advanced contextual suggestions, and real-time translation of over 40 languages, all processed locally for faster performance. This launch marks a significant step in integrating deeper AI integration into everyday computing, enhancing user experience and capabilities.
Which processors are initially supporting the Copilot+ PCs, and which are expected to follow?
Initially, the Copilot+ PCs are supported by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X Series chips, making them the first Windows PC chips on the market to reach the benchmark of 45 TOPS (trillion operations per second) of power required for Copilot+ PCs. This means the first wave of Copilot+ PCs will be exclusively powered by Windows on Arm.
Processors from Intel and AMD are expected to follow later this year, bringing support for Copilot+ PCs. It's important to note that for a PC to be considered a Copilot+ PC, it must include an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) capable of at least 45 TOPS of power.
The introduction of Copilot+ PCs represents a significant step forward in the integration of AI and PC technology, offering users a range of advanced AI experiences and capabilities. These include the Recall feature, which allows users to search for anything they've done on their PC using natural language; enhancements to Live Captions, which can now translate over 40 different languages into English; and improvements to Windows Studio Effects, which can virtually improve lighting conditions or apply real-time artistic styles to your webcam video feed.
What are the hardware requirements for a PC to qualify as a Copilot+ PC?
To qualify as a Copilot+ PC, a system must include a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of at least 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This specification is crucial for supporting the advanced AI functions that are integral to the Copilot+ experience. The first wave of these PCs will feature Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Series chips, which are the first on the market to meet this performance benchmark4. This initial batch of Copilot+ PCs will be exclusively powered by Windows on Arm, with versions that use Intel and AMD chips expected to follow later in the year4.