Microsoft has revolutionized the PC industry by integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools directly into Windows operating systems. With more than 50 million “AI PCs” predicted to be sold in the next 12 months, developers and the public are increasingly demanding digital assistants that anticipate their needs.
Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, announced that they are introducing a new category of Windows PCs designed to unleash the full power of AI closer to users. To achieve this, they have completely reinvented the PC from the inside out.
Microsoft’s Copilot Plus tool, which is integrated with AI technology, is now available on their Surface lineup and aims to revive sales of personal devices down 9% last year. The Copilot Plus tool offers new features such as live translation, image generation, or asking questions without a subscription or opening separate applications.
In addition to these features, Microsoft has introduced a new “Recall” function that allows users to go back in time on their PC and see all the windows they have open or ask Copilot to find specific content. The Cocreator tool also allows users to create images by drawing and providing written instructions, making it free, fast, private and unique to Microsoft.
The use of specialized chips for AI tasks known as “NPUs” enables direct exchanges with models on computers without sending data to the cloud for processing. Companies like Lenovo, Dell, Acer and HP have already released PCs with NPUs and are now integrating Copilot Plus into their devices in hopes of reigniting public interest in computers. For example, Lenovo has expanded its portfolio of optimized AI-ready devices and software with new notebooks powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chip.
Apple has not yet launched proposals on generative AI but is expected to introduce them in June. However, it is noted that Apple’s version will be less anthropomorphized as Microsoft believes it should be immediately recognizable as an AI entity rather than mimicking human characteristics.
Overall, Microsoft’s integration of AI technology into their products is set to transform the PC industry and meet the growing demand for digital assistants that can anticipate users’ needs.
