Microsoft unveils its new category of 'Copilot Plus PCs'

Microsoft has unveiled a new category of laptops with integrated AI hardware and software features across the Windows 11 operating system branded as "Copilot Plus PCs”. This initiative was announced by CEO Satya Nadella, and underscores a major push by the tech giant to bring the power of artificial intelligence to everyday computing.

The tech giant’s 2024 Surface Pro and Surface Laptop will be the first Windows PCs to debut under Copilot+ PCs platform. Despite promoting Arm-based processors for Windows laptops, AI capabilities will be available on laptops with Intel and AMD chips as well.

The new AI computers with specialised artificial intelligence chips and faster performance will set Microsoft to revive the long-running rivalry between Windows PCs and Apple Mac. Not only the chips, but the US-based software giant is betting equally on the Windows platform by preparing it as an AI platform.

Powered by Arm architecture-based chips from Qualcomm, Microsoft said that Copilot+ PCs outperform Apple’s MacBook Air 15-inch with M3 by up to 58 per cent in sustained multithreaded performance. Microsoft said the Qualcomm chips powering the first wave of Copilot+ PCs have dedicated neural processing units (NPUs) capable of over 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). These NPUs will be responsible for powering AI tools and features natively on the new range of Windows PCs.

Microsoft said that the Copilot+ PC experience will also come to Intel and AMD powered devices with their upcoming Lunar Lake and Strix chips, respectively.

In addition to Microsoft's Surface line, other OEMs such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Samsung will also be bringing Copilot+ PCs based on the new Qualcomm X-series chips, starting June 18.

Microsoft has collaborated with developers to bring optimal app support to the new Arm-based Copilot+ PCs. The new range of PCs will support select apps from Adobe such as Photoshop, Lightroom and Express, while Illustrator, Premiere Pro and more will be introduced to the platform later. Other software that will be supported includes DaVinci Resolve Studio, CapCut, Cephable, LiquidText, djay Pro, and more.