Microsoft’s new Copilot+PC line helps users find files or emails using text prompts and generate live English captions for foreign language videos. These computers, powered by Qualcomm chips, are 58% faster than Apple’s top MacBook Air M3, according to Microsoft.
At an event in Redmond, Washington, CEO Satya Nadella unveiled new AI-infused software and computers, aiming to outpace Google’s and Apple’s AI advancements. The Copilot+PCs, from Microsoft’s Surface line and partners, feature dedicated AI processing chips and start at $1,000.
Microsoft also announced that an updated version of OpenAI’s GPT-4, called GPT-4o, which excels at handling text, audio, and images in real time, will soon enhance the Copilot AI assistant.
Introducing the new Surface Pro, with lightning-fast performance and all-day battery life, plus AI accelerated power all wrapped up in an ultra-light package. 😮💨 #CopilotPCs
— Microsoft Surface (@surface) May 20, 2024
Pre-order your Surface Pro today. https://t.co/poPNhCQfQW pic.twitter.com/bFqa6e50XW
A new Recall feature helps users locate browser tabs, files, emails, or chats using conversational prompts. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s consumer chief marketing officer, likened it to “photographic memory.”
Microsoft is showcasing how generative AI can revolutionize computing for everyday users, not just corporate customers. Despite early AI integration in Bing, Nadella has been eager to launch more compelling consumer products, leading to the hiring of DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman to head consumer AI efforts.
Nadella stated, “The pursuit has always been about how to build computers that understand us, instead of us having to understand computers. I feel like we really are close to that real breakthrough.”
Windows’ live captions feature can translate video content into English from 40 languages in real-time, working with any conferencing or entertainment apps. Additionally, a new AI co-creator program uses machine learning to transform basic sketches into complex images.
The Recall feature uses multiple language models in Windows and allows users to set certain content as private. These features are part of the Windows Copilot Runtime, comprising over 40 AI models for text, visual, audio, and analysis tasks.
Microsoft also announced support for a new PC initiative with Intel and AMD, though the new computers feature Qualcomm chips, aligning with Qualcomm’s belief that their mobile phone technology is well-suited for the next generation of AI-driven machines.