Microsoft Believes It Has Found a Way To Put PCs Back on the Map

On Monday, Microsoft took a significant step by incorporating artificial intelligence into its Windows operating system, introducing new AI-enhanced computers designed to revive lagging PC sales.

Speaking at Microsoft’s annual developer conference based at its Redmond, Washington, headquarters, CEO Satya Nadella said the company’s long-term ambition is to “build computers that understand us versus us having to understand computers.” This move puts them on a stronger footing toward achieving this goal. 

He added, “I feel like we’re really close to that real breakthrough.”

Equipped with processors designed for advanced AI tools, these new computers are entering the market at a time when PC sales have been stagnant for years. Microsoft aims to strengthen sales and generate enthusiasm, especially as AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life.

Microsoft’s new Copilot+ PC series, which includes the latest Surface Pro tablet and Surface laptop, integrates AI tools that work without needing an internet connection, as all AI processing is done locally on the device.

Making use of OpenAI’s latest GPT-4o technology, the new hardware aims to transform ChatGPT into a digital personal assistant capable of engaging in live spoken conversations and communicating via text and “vision.” This innovation, which was announced last week, aims to empower the AI to analyze and discuss user-uploaded photos, screenshots, charts, or documents.

The latest hardware highlights Microsoft’s well-established AI assistant, Copilot, which seamlessly integrates across various products, spanning from Bing to Microsoft 365. Copilot assists users in tasks such as writing, organizing emails in Outlook, and crafting presentations in PowerPoint.

Microsoft is not the only player in the AI PC space. Dell and Lenovo have also recently launched AI-focused computers within the Copilot+ AI framework, marking the birth of a category that experts widely anticipate will define the next phase of computing.

Additionally, it is anticipated that Apple will introduce new AI-driven functionalities for the iPhone and Mac at its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference next month.

Geoff Blaber, CEO at CCS Insight, said, “Over time, AI capability will become a ubiquitous feature, but Microsoft and its partners have made a solid start. They will need to work hard to ensure that AI becomes a lot more than just a meaningless descriptor with a growing number of features.”