Microsoft Build will feature sessions focusing on the "next generation" of Windows on Arm and new Windows AI features, including industry-leading performance for apps and intelligent Windows apps leveraging the capabilities of the NPU. The event will also cover rumored AI Explorer feature for Windows 11, Copilots, and plugins for the AI-powered assistant, as well as additional developer experience improvements in Windows.
Microsoft is confident that upcoming Arm-powered Windows laptops with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors will outperform Apple's M3-powered MacBook Air in CPU performance and AI-accelerated tasks. These new "next-gen AI Copilot PCs" will feature AI-powered Windows features, improved video streaming, and enhanced gaming capabilities. Microsoft's big AI PC reveal is set for May 20th, just before the annual Build developers conference, and the company expects 50% of new Windows devices to run AI-capable chips by the end of 2026.
Microsoft unveils new Surface Pro 10 for Business and Surface Laptop 6 for Business with a dedicated Copilot key, integrating AI directly into the keyboards, marking a commitment to the new project. The Copilot key allows users to access AI features such as planning their day, finding documents using natural text, and analyzing websites with commercial data protection. These business-focused devices feature Intel processors, touchscreen displays, and long battery life, emphasizing Microsoft's focus on Copilot as an important enterprise tool.
Microsoft is hosting a digital event on March 21, where it may unveil new Surface devices, potentially the first branded as AI PCs. Rumored features include upgraded processors, AI capabilities, and advanced display technology. The devices are expected to kick off Microsoft’s push for Windows 11-running AI PCs and may include features such as real-time captioning, translation, and AI Explorer. The event may focus on business and commercial-focused versions of the devices, with consumer variants and AI features expected to follow later.
The future of the Microsoft Surface brand is uncertain after a slow year of updates and the departure of Panos Panay, the leader of the Surface brand. Microsoft's recent Surface hardware event focused more on AI services than the products themselves, and key products like the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop were absent from the announcements. The Surface brand has faced financial challenges, with a decline in revenue and PC sales. While it's unlikely that Microsoft will completely abandon the Surface, the brand's future may lack the same ambition and innovation that made it a significant player in the Windows ecosystem.
Microsoft is now selling replacement components for its Surface devices, including displays, batteries, SSDs, and more, through its online store. The company has partnered with iFixit to sell official Surface repair tools separately. The replacement components will be available first in the United States, Canada, and France, with updates on availability in other markets in the future. Microsoft has greatly improved the repairability of its Surface devices in recent years, with a focus on removable SSDs and easier replacement of screens and batteries.
