Microsoft’s Copilot+ is poised to make waves in the tech landscape, as the company gears up to roll out its innovative suite of on-device AI features to x86 PCs starting in November. This announcement, made during a recent event in Seattle, marks a significant shift, as these features have primarily been available on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon laptops until now.
The introduction of Copilot+ is contingent upon specific hardware requirements, necessitating a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of at least 40 TOPS, alongside 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. This means that users will need to invest in newer hardware to fully leverage the capabilities of Copilot+. Supported devices will include those equipped with AMD Ryzen AI 300 or Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors.
Supported PCs for Copilot+
As Microsoft embarks on this journey, it is clear that not all x86 PCs will be eligible for the Copilot+ experience. The focus remains on laptops, as the company acknowledges that the majority of Windows customers prefer portable devices. While there are plans for desktop compatibility in the future, the immediate rollout will prioritize laptops, particularly those that meet the stringent hardware requirements.
Among the standout features of Copilot+ is Recall, a function designed to enhance productivity by acting as a photographic memory for your PC. This feature allows users to take screenshots of their activities, which can then be searched using natural language. Initially intended for launch, Recall faced delays due to privacy concerns, but it is now set to be part of the upcoming testing phase.
The New Features
In addition to Recall, users will benefit from an array of new functionalities. The Windows Studio Effects will see enhancements, allowing for background blur, automatic framing, and exciting new animations and portrait effects. Another notable addition is Cocreator, which will be integrated into Paint, enabling users to collaborate creatively with ease.
Live Captions will also be introduced, providing real-time captions or translations for any audio output from the PC, enhancing accessibility and user experience. Furthermore, features like Click to Do and improved Windows Search functionality are set to elevate the overall usability of the operating system.
While Microsoft has confirmed that the features will be available for testing in November through the Windows Insider Program, the timeline for broader availability remains uncertain. As the tech giant continues to innovate, the anticipation surrounding Copilot+ builds, promising to redefine how users interact with their devices.
