Microsoft has made a bold entry into the AI-driven PC market with the launch of its new Copilot+ PCs. Announced on May 20, the computers feature advanced AI PC chips and run the latest version of Windows 11 integrated with Microsoft’s Copilot AI software, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4o model. The AI integration lets users interact with their PCs via text, video, and voice, making these devices more intuitive and responsive.
Transforming how users interact with their devices
Copilot+ PCs represent a major shift in how users interact with their computers. By utilizing OpenAI’s GPT-4o, the Copilot software can engage in natural conversations, provide on-screen guidance, and respond to complex commands. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the synergy between cloud computing and edge devices, highlighting how this combination turns the PC into a dynamic, AI-driven assistant.
“The richest AI experiences will harness the power of the cloud and the edge working together in concert. This in turn will lead to a new category of devices that turn the world itself into a prompt,” Nadella said. “For us, this vision starts with our most beloved and most widely used canvas: Windows.”
Key features of Copilot+ PCs
One particularly notable feature of the devices is Recall, which allows users to access anything they have seen or done on their device previously. The feature uses a personal semantic index stored on the device for privacy and control, with options to delete or adjust snapshots as needed. Other features include:
- Super fast performance: Delivers up to 40+ TOPS (trillion operations per second).
- Battery life: Provides up to 22 hours of local video playback or 15 hours of web browsing on a single charge.
- Advanced AI models: Provides AI experiences locally and via the cloud through both large and small language models.
- Enhanced AI applications: Supports real-time AI image generation and live captions for translating audio from over 40 languages into English.
- Security: Includes out-of-the-box advanced security with Microsoft’s Pluton Security processor.
- Native ARM64 apps: Supports a wide range of applications natively, including Microsoft 365 apps, Adobe Creative Cloud, DaVinci Resolve Studio, and others.
Market impact and performance
Microsoft’s introduction of Copilot+ PCs comes when the PC market is showing signs of recovery. IDC reported a 1.5% growth in PC shipments in the first quarter, compared to a 28.7% drop during the same period in 2023. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President and Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, projected that over 50 million AI PCs would be purchased in the coming year.
These new devices, including models from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung, and Microsoft’s Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, come with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage to ensure the smooth operation of AI applications. They feature Qualcomm’s Arm-based Snapdragon X Elite chips, outperforming sustained multithread performance.
Impact on the channel
The devices will be available on June 18 at a starting price of $999 and are the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever built, according to the company. With their AI capabilities and powerful performance, the devices provide a compelling offering for businesses looking to enhance productivity and creativity. For resellers, the Copilot+ PCs represent an opportunity to tap into a market seeking cutting-edge technology and innovative features for clients looking to refresh their PC fleets.
The advanced AI functions and high-performing hardware will appeal to tech-savvy organizations looking to future-proof their investments. MSPs can leverage these devices to offer enhanced services, such as AI-driven workflow optimization and advanced security features.
Mark Linton, VP, Device Partner Sales, Global Partner Solutions, wrote on Microsoft’s Partner blog, “These Copilot+ PCs are a game-changer, and we’re leading the industry with the scale only the Microsoft ecosystem can provide. The partner opportunities created by this technology shift are significant. With Copilot+ PCs, device partners can build next-generation hardware equipped with onboard capability, enabling customers to benefit from AI software, tools, and experiences running at the edge, as well as in the cloud.”
interested in learning more about the features of Copilot for MSPs? Check out our detailed article on this powerful AI assistant to discover how it can revolutionize your IT services and enhance client satisfaction.
