Rumors are swirling around the tech world, hinting at a revolutionary shift in Microsoft’s Surface lineup. The next generation of Surface laptops, slated for a potential release in 2024, could be the company’s first true “AI PCs.” But what exactly does that mean?
Traditionally, the focus of laptop upgrades has been on raw processing power, sleek designs, and improved battery life. While these aspects will undoubtedly be refined in the new Surface laptops, the real game-changer lies in the rumored deep integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the very fabric of these machines.
News has surfaced about Microsoft’s highly anticipated updates to its flagship Surface Pro and Surface Laptop lines, promising significant upgrades that position them as the company’s first true “AI PCs“.
2023 was a quiet year for Surface, with updates limited to minor spec bumps and price increases. But it seems like 2024 will mark a turning point.
Microsoft’s plans on AI PCs
Microsoft is upping the ante with its Surface Pro and Surface Laptop lines, equipping them with Intel 14th-Gen and Qualcomm X Series Arm chips. This marks a first for both product lines and demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology.
The company is particularly excited about the custom Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series chips, codenamed “CADMUS,” which have been specifically built for the upcoming Hudson Valley Windows release and its AI features. The goal is to achieve performance, battery life, and security on par with Apple Silicon, and Microsoft is confident that these chips will deliver.
Zac Bowden of Windows Central states:
According to my sources, Microsoft is working on significant updates to its Surface Pro and Surface Laptop lines, which sources say will feature significant upgrades with improved designs, new features, and next-gen silicon in the form of Intel 14th-Gen and Qualcomm X Series chips. I hear the new devices will be announced in the spring and will be marketed as Microsoft’s first true next-gen AI PCs.
– Zac Bowden, Windows Central
Design refresh on its way
The Surface Laptop 6 is getting a much-needed makeover, with thinner bezels, rounded corners, and more ports (including two USB-C and one USB-A) that enhance its overall aesthetic appeal. Additionally, it will feature a haptic touchpad and a dedicated Copilot button, making it an even more formidable tool for users.
The Surface Pro 10, on the other hand, will boast a brighter HDR display with an anti-reflective coating and rounded corners, possibly offering a lower-resolution option for lower-tier models.
Both devices will be equipped with next-gen NPUs (neural processing units) to power the AI experiences in Hudson Valley Windows. This ensures that users can enjoy seamless and efficient AI-driven tasks, further enhancing the overall user experience.
Here are some of the specific details about the new Surface laptop series, the AI PCs:
Surface Laptop 6:
- Aims to compete directly with the MacBook Air
- Two sizes: 13.8-inch and 15-inch
- Expanded port selection and haptic touchpad
- Copilot button for quick access to Windows Copilot
Surface Pro 10:
- Brighter HDR display with anti-reflective coating and rounded corners
- Possible lower-resolution option for lower-tier models
- NFC reader, wider FoV webcam with Windows Studio Effects, and new color options
- Significant performance leap due to the Arm chip
- Updated Type Cover with a Copilot button (rumored)
This marks a significant step up for Microsoft’s Surface lineup, placing AI at the forefront and embracing Arm chips for the first time. With a focus on design improvements, performance boosts, and new features, the 2024 Surface Pro and Surface Laptop updates have the potential to reignite excitement for the popular product line and position Microsoft as a leader in the next generation of AI-powered PCs.
Perhaps the release of the Copilot Android app is a harbinger of Microsoft’s future plans.
Featured image credit: Ashkan Forouzani/Unsplash.
