Microsoft promotes its Copilot+ PCs and Windows on Arm ecosystem as transformative for the PC industry, but customer adoption remains tepid due to high prices, lack of compelling apps, and limited real-world benefits. Despite claims of breakthrough performance and productivity enhancements, actual user experience and sales figures suggest the technology is more beneficial for hardware makers and Microsoft than for consumers, with many apps working well on non-AI hardware and sales not meeting expectations.
Microsoft has released a preview build of Windows 11 (26120.2415) in the Insider Dev Channel, featuring the new Windows Recall and Click To Do features, exclusively for Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon processors. Windows Recall, which has faced delays, now includes enhanced security measures, such as data encryption and requiring Windows Hello. The feature is off by default and must be manually activated. Intel and AMD Copilot+ PCs are not included in this initial preview, with no specified timeline for their inclusion.
ASUS has announced the ProArt PZ13, a convertible 2-in-1 PC powered by a Snapdragon X processor, featuring a 13-inch 3K OLED display, kickstand, and 70Wh battery. Set to ship in the second half of 2024, the ProArt PZ13 is part of a new wave of Copilot+ PCs that promise enhanced AI computing and battery life. Pricing details are yet to be revealed, but it is expected to compete with the Surface Pro 11.
Microsoft has introduced Windows Recall, an AI feature for Copilot+ PCs that takes screen snapshots for enhanced search capabilities. Despite concerns about privacy, Microsoft assures that all data is encrypted and processed locally, with no cloud uploads. The feature is optional, cannot run secretly, and includes filtering options to control what is captured. However, there are still security concerns, particularly regarding potential malware access.
At Microsoft Build 2024, new AI features for Copilot+ PCs, including Recall and Cocreator, were showcased. Recall enhances search functionality by capturing and indexing screen activity, while Cocreator in Paint uses AI to modify user-created art. Other features like improved Live Captions and a new teleprompter feature in Windows Studio Effects were also highlighted. These features will be exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, which are high-spec Windows devices with advanced NPUs.
At its Build conference, Microsoft announced Copilot+ PCs, integrating AI capabilities to enhance productivity for knowledge workers. Analysts Rishi Jaluria and Frederick Havemeyer highlight the potential of these AI PCs to revolutionize generative AI usage and drive significant market adoption. With 80% of CIOs planning AI production within the next year, the technology is poised for substantial growth and impact across various sectors.
