Microsoft Introduces Copilot+: The New AI-Driven PCs for Windows

Microsoft has unveiled Copilot+, a new designation for PCs powered by advanced AI, marking a significant milestone for Windows computers. These systems will be distinguished by their Qualcomm processors, not Intel, signaling what Microsoft calls “a new era” for Windows computers, which will be part of the upcoming Windows 11 update.

What Defines a Copilot+ PC?

To be classified as a Copilot+ PC, a computer must include a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with at least 45 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) of performance. Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Series chips are the first to meet this benchmark for Windows computers. Consequently, the initial wave of Copilot+ PCs will exclusively run Windows on ARM architecture.

New Features

The AI-driven experiences coming to Windows 11 for these PCs (and only for these PCs) include:

• Recall: This feature allows users to remember anything that has occurred on their PC screen just by asking.
• Live Translation of Captions: Supports over 40 languages, operating directly on the device, not via the cloud.
• Auto Super Resolution: Enhances the quality and size of images.
• Cocreator: Facilitates advanced generation of images and text locally, without relying on the cloud.
• Enhanced Windows Studio Effects: Includes real-time improvements like lighting conditions and artistic styles.

Spotlight on Recall

The Recall feature is particularly noteworthy. It functions like macOS’s Rewind but is natively integrated. Running in the background, it records everything displayed and done on the PC. This allows users to request, in natural language, a reminder of any past activity in any application. Microsoft highlights this as an example of how AI can work behind the scenes to enhance workflow. Whether it’s conversations, web pages, articles, documents, or videos, Recall makes it much easier to locate anything from the past.

Release Dates

According to Microsoft, the first Copilot+ PCs will start arriving in June. However, not all features will be available immediately; some will roll out over the following months, with no specific dates provided.

The Big Picture

Microsoft describes Copilot+ PCs as the beginning of a new era for Windows, believing that these AI-driven features will be compelling enough to rejuvenate the PC market and encourage upgrades.

By integrating AI at the core of the Windows 11 experience and transitioning to ARM processors, Microsoft hopes to reverse the current downward trend in PC sales.