The first batch of Microsoft AI computers is here! One-click Copilot takes off, powered by Intel Core Ultra, not available in retail stores

Author: Li Dan

Source: Hard AI

Microsoft has officially unveiled a new product that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities into personal computers (PCs) for the first time, setting 2024 as a milestone year for building AI PCs.

On Thursday, March 21st, Microsoft launched two PC models, the Surface Pro 10 for Business and the Surface Laptop 6 for Business, with shipments starting on April 9th. They are referred to by Microsoft as the "first batch of Surface AI PCs designed specifically for enterprises."

As PCs targeting businesses, Microsoft will not directly sell the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 to individual consumers. This means that these two PCs cannot be purchased at retail channels like Target or Best Buy; they can only be bought on the Microsoft website or through commercial distributors.

Visually, these two computers do not differ much from their predecessors. The most noticeable change is the addition of a Copilot key that can summon an AI assistant with a single press. Internally, they have been upgraded to feature the latest Intel Core Ultra CPU and are equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to accelerate AI tasks. With the NPU, these computers can speed up the execution of existing AI-enhanced features in the Windows 11 system, as well as future AI functionalities.

In January of this year, Microsoft announced the Copilot key, describing it as the first major keyboard innovation for Windows PCs in nearly thirty years, marking the beginning of an era where Microsoft empowers Windows PCs with AI. The Copilot key, together with the Windows key, now forms the core of the PC keyboard. Pressing this new key will activate the Copilot experience on Windows PCs, providing users with direct access to the AI assistant.

Surface Pro 10 for Business features Core Ultra U series chips, enhanced AI-powered camera, and improved LCD display

On the surface, the Surface Pro 10 commercial version is very similar to its predecessor, the Surface Pro 9 Intel version. Internally, it comes with two options for Intel Core Ultra U series chips: the Core Ultra 5 135U CPU and Core Ultra 7 165U CPU. It can be configured with up to 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM and a 1TB SSD. The base configuration includes 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, priced at $1199, which is equivalent to a starting price of $1199.

The computer shell of the Surface Pro 10 commercial version is the same as its predecessor. However, Microsoft has made some "sneaky" improvements. Firstly, Microsoft has improved the 13-inch display of the same size as the previous generation, using a new anti-reflective coating, with a 33% increase in brightness.

Rumors that the new Surface Pro 10 would use an OLED display this week have been debunked, as the actual product still features an LCD display. Some media outlets have learned that Microsoft plans to release a consumer-oriented Surface Pro 10 with an OLED display at an AI-related event on May 20. The event will focus on AI, showcasing new Surface hardware and changes to Windows.

Another indication of Microsoft's focus on AI in PCs is the addition of a 1440p resolution webcam with a 114-degree field of view to the Surface Pro 10 commercial version. Nancie Gaskill, General Manager of Microsoft Surface Business, commented that it is the "first PC camera in today's PC market with an ultra-wide field of view."

Microsoft states that this camera is AI-enhanced. Enhanced means that it can leverage the Core Ultra's NPU to handle AI workloads, enabling Windows Studio effects that present the best lighting.

Windows Studio effects refer to a range of features, including background blur effects, eye contact effects that compensate for looking at the screen rather than the camera, automatic zooming and cropping of images when moving, automatic framing effects, and voice focus effects that mute background noise Microsoft has equipped the NFC card reader on the Surface Pro 10 commercial version, allowing enterprise customers to easily use devices such as YubiKey NFC security keys for identity verification. Microsoft also plans to offer a 5G connectivity option for this laptop. Gaskill mentioned that this is the first time Microsoft has integrated Intel products with 5G on the Surface Pro. Previously, Microsoft achieved 5G connectivity on the Surface Pro 9 through Qualcomm products.

The Surface Pro 10 commercial version keyboard has added a Copilot key. To the left of the Copilot key is an Alt key, and to the right is a left-direction key.

Surface Laptop 6 commercial version's camera does not have an ultra-wide angle lens, and it is equipped with Intel Core Ultra H series chips. The larger version has two USB-C ports.

The starting price of the Surface Laptop 6 commercial version is also $1199. It comes with two options for Intel Core Ultra H series chips: Ultra 5 135H CPU and Ultra 7 165H CPU. The base configuration includes 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD, with the option to upgrade to 64GB of RAM and 1TB SSD.

The front camera of the Surface Laptop 6 commercial version has been upgraded to 1080p, but it does not have the ultra-wide angle lens like the Surface Pro 10 commercial version camera. However, users can use the Windows Studio effects with background blur and automatic framing during video calls.

Since the H series chips are more powerful than the U series chips, they are a better choice than the Surface Pro 10 commercial version for users who need to perform more demanding tasks.

Interestingly, after Microsoft's social media X announced the launch of the first batch of AI PCs, some netizens welcomed the news, expressing excitement and liking the new products. However, some netizens seem less interested in Intel chips and are looking forward to the support of the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip The display of the Surface Laptop 6 Business Edition has added an anti-reflective coating, available in two sizes: 13.5 inches and 15 inches.

The 15-inch version of the display is equipped with two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports for the first time, along with a regular USB-A port, a headphone jack, and a Microsoft Surface Connect port for charging. The 13.5-inch version also has a headphone jack and Surface Connect port, but only one USB-C port.

Microsoft claims that due to the use of Intel Core Ultra H series chips, the operating speed of the Surface Laptop 6 Business Edition will be twice that of its predecessor, Laptop 5. Users in certain markets who purchase the Surface Laptop 6 Business Edition also have the option of a smart card reader and the new Copilot key introduced by Microsoft, which is used to access Windows 11's AI assistant, Copilot