The recent news about Microsoft Copilot+ PCs highlights various aspects of this new AI-driven hardware and software platform, revealing both strong innovations and some initial challenges.
Battery Life is presented as a standout feature in the new Surface Copilot+ devices, with the Surface Laptop 13-inch boasting up to 23 hours of video playback and the Surface Pro 12-inch up to 16 hours of video usage. This represents a significant benefit for portability and long-term use. However, in other Copilot+ OEM devices like the HP EliteBook Ultra G1i, battery life is described as less impressive, indicating some variability across different hardware implementations.
Regarding System Performance, the integration of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor, equipped with a powerful neural processing unit (NPU), positions Copilot+ PCs for efficient AI computations and general usage. Additional Solid performance is noted with Intel Core Ultra series chips in select models (such as HP’s EliteBook). Early revisions of Copilot+ PCs had some software compatibility challenges, especially concerning gaming, but improvements on the Snapdragon X Plus platform have enhanced application support and overall responsiveness.
In the realm of Hardware, Microsoft and partner OEMs have introduced thoughtful design changes such as larger trackpads and 360-degree hinges on new Surface devices, as well as use of recycled cobalt batteries aligning with sustainability efforts. OEMs have also provided diverse port selections, including multiple USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, although some models, like the HP EliteBook Ultra, lack HDMI ports which may require dongles for external displays. Camera and audio features are enhanced, for example with advanced IR webcams and multiple microphones aimed at better conferencing and privacy (e.g., privacy covers).
The Software ecosystem for Copilot+ PCs is rapidly evolving, with AI-powered upgrades to Windows 11 Settings that allow natural language queries to adjust system settings, and rich AI-infused productivity features such as “Click to Do,” enabling AI-generated content creation inside Office apps, as well as improvements to Windows Search and accessibility tools. Creative apps like Paint now have AI stickers and selective editing, and the Snipping Tool benefits from AI-driven screenshot enhancements. However, many AI features are still in the experimental or initial rollout stage, often limited to Windows Insiders or specific hardware, resulting in some features not being fully mature or broadly available yet.
Security receives attention through measures like HP’s licensed Wolf Security suite integrated with features such as self-healing BIOS and threat isolation, enhancing device resilience. Microsoft also emphasizes on-device AI processing, which can mitigate risks associated with cloud dependency. Yet, explicit discussion of potential vulnerabilities introduced by AI agents altering settings or interacting with content is limited, suggesting an area for further scrutiny.
Privacy is a nuanced concern inherent to AI-powered interactions. Features like the AI agent making system changes upon user permission suggest user control is emphasized, but some initial features (like Recall) have been described as controversial, hinting at privacy apprehensions. AI processing locally on device (as opposed to the cloud) is a positive privacy factor, and some AI companions are redesigned with privacy in mind. Nonetheless, the full impact on user data privacy remains to be thoroughly assessed.
Compatibility initially appears constrained to devices powered by the Snapdragon X and Snapdragon X Plus chips, with AMD and Intel platforms slated for later support. This staggered rollout may delay broad user access to Copilot+ capabilities and results in a fragmented experience. Improvements in software compatibility over earlier models, including better game support, are promising but indicate that early adoption may require compromises.
Reliability is currently a mixed picture due to the ongoing testing phase of many AI features. Users may encounter instability or incorrect AI recommendations requiring manual override, and some AI-powered tools, like screenshot cropping or accessibility descriptions, might occasionally err. The phased introduction and testing approach mean that reliability should improve over time, but early adopters may face some usability challenges.
In summary, Microsoft’s Copilot+ platform represents a considerable step forward in integrating AI deeply into PC hardware and software, enhancing productivity, accessibility, and user interaction paradigms while delivering commendable battery performance and modern hardware designs. However, initial limitations in hardware compatibility, early-stage AI feature maturity, privacy considerations, and some trade-offs in portability and battery life on select models suggest that while promising, Copilot+ PCs are still in the relatively early phases of a broader evolution.
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| Key positive aspects of Copilot+ | Key concerns related to Copilot+ |
|---|---|
| AI integration in Windows 11 Settings app enabling natural language queries to easily find and adjust system settings | AI functionality is currently in testing only, which may lead to instability or incomplete features |
| AI agent can make setting suggestions (e.g., recommended mouse pointer size), enhancing usability | AI can sometimes make mistakes or incorrect recommendations, requiring manual user intervention |
| Initial availability with Snapdragon X chip-based Copilot+ PCs, with plans to expand to AMD and Intel processors | Limited initial hardware compatibility restricts feature availability to specific devices |
| AI-powered dynamic lighting controls in the Photos app for enhanced image editing using multiple light sources | These advanced features remain experimental and may not perform consistently during testing |
| 'Perfect Screenshot' feature in Snipping Tool uses AI to crop screenshots accurately, saving time | AI cropping might occasionally err and require manual adjustment |
| Enhanced Narrator tool provides rich image descriptions for better accessibility, aiding blind or low-vision users | Accessibility AI features are initially limited to Snapdragon X chip devices and still under testing |
| Key positive aspects of Copilot+ | Key concerns related to Copilot+ |
|---|---|
| Incorporation of new Copilot+ features like Recall that retrieves information from memory when asked. | No specific concerns mentioned about Copilot+ features in the article. |
| Natural language search capability for documents and settings improves usability. | |
| Integrated in new Surface devices (Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch) with strong hardware specs (Snapdragon X Plus processor, 6GB RAM). | |
| Devices offer long battery life enhancing portability and usage (Surface Laptop up to 23 hours video playback, Surface Pro up to 16 hours video playback). |
| Key positive aspects of Copilot+ | Key concerns related to Copilot+ |
|---|---|
| AI-powered agent improves ease of access and modification of common Windows settings by carrying out tasks with user permission | Initial rollout limited to Windows Insiders and only supports English language requests |
| New features such as Recall, Click to Do, and AI-powered Windows search enhance productivity and interaction | Some features like Recall are described as "controversial," implying possible user skepticism or privacy concerns |
| "Click to Do" expands functionality by enabling content generation in Office apps, scheduling meetings, and starting chats from selected text or images | Gradual rollout timeline means full feature availability will be delayed for many users |
| AI-enhanced Windows search helps find settings, apps, and specific photos in the Photos app | Features initially focused on Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs, with AMD and Intel machines receiving updates later |
| Photos app gains "relight" tool for advanced, dynamic photo lighting adjustments | New tools require Copilot+ hardware, potentially limiting availability to users with supported devices |
| Paint app receives AI sticker generator and targeted object select tool | Reliance on AI and new UI elements may introduce new learning curve issues or usability challenges |
| Snipping Tool improvements include auto area detection, text extraction from images, and color picker | Feature rollout staggered over time, potential for initial bugs or incomplete integration |
| Integration with Microsoft 365 services (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) through Copilot commands increases workflow efficiency | Some advanced AI-driven tasks will roll out to Windows Insiders later, delaying broad access |
| AI actions in File Explorer allow context-based commands like summarizing text or editing images | Not all AI actions may work as expected initially, depending on file types and AI accuracy |
| Notepad enhanced with AI "write" feature to generate text from user prompts | Potential concerns about AI-generated content accuracy, relevance, and user control |
This is not a Copilot+ review
| Key positive aspects of Copilot+ | Key concerns related to Copilot+ |
|---|---|
| Agent provides on-device AI assistance for adjusting PC settings, enhancing user convenience. | Initially, the agent only supports English, limiting usability for non-English speakers. |
| The AI can make changes directly on the PC if permissions are granted, streamlining user interaction. | Rollout starts with Snapdragon chip PCs, delaying availability on Intel and AMD powered machines. |
| Click to Do expands AI assistance capabilities with actions on text and images, improving productivity. | The extent of user control or privacy implications when AI interacts with active screen content is not specified. |
| New actions added to Click to Do include scheduling meetings, sending Teams messages, and integrating with Excel and Word. | No specific concerns mentioned, but the dependency on Microsoft ecosystem could be a limitation for some users. |
| Support for engaging Reading Coach and Immersive Reader modes enhances accessibility features. | Language support expansion timeline is unclear, which may affect global adoption. |
| Copilot Vision adds screen sharing with AI assistant, potentially improving user support and interaction. | Initial hardware and OS compatibility constraints may limit early adoption. |
AI REQUEST ERROR: empty prompt value for Microsoft Copilot+, which is a new computer hardware platform developed by Microsoft and its OEMs (...
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Source: https://news.microsoft.com/may-6-announce/
| Key positive aspects of Copilot+ | Key concerns related to Copilot+ |
|---|---|
| Good balance of features and performance on the HP EliteBook Ultra G1i | Not the lightest laptop in its class |
| Sleek, well-built design with a good size and weight for a 14-inch notebook | Battery life is not the best |
| 14-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED display with 400 nits brightness and minimal bezels | Lack of HDMI port requiring use of USB-C-to-HDMI dongle or docking station for external monitors |
| Good selection of ports including audio jack, USB-A, and multiple USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports with charging on both sides | AI Companion app and Perform features are still a work in progress and sometimes do not provide correct instructions |
| Excellent AV features: 9MP IR webcam with privacy cover, quad speakers, dual microphone array | AI Companion’s Analyze feature supports limited libraries (up to 10, 100MB max) and seems behind more common web AIs |
| HP’s Poly Camera Pro offers advanced camera effects beyond standard Windows Studio Pro | |
| Includes 1-year license for Wolf Security with self-healing BIOS and threat isolation | |
| AI Companion is powered by ChatGPT but redesigned for enhanced privacy | |
| myHP app offers customization for touchpad control, function keys, and camera gestures | |
| Uses Intel Core Ultra 7 268V processor for solid performance |
| Key positive aspects of Copilot+ | Key concerns related to Copilot+ |
|---|---|
| Introduction of AI-powered features in Windows 11 with practical applications like semantic search for easier file finding. | Initial Copilot+ PC release did not meet high expectations due to many promised AI features being unavailable. |
| New Surface laptops and tablet featuring Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processors with strong performance and AI capabilities (45 TOPS NPU). | Early Copilot+ PCs had limited AI functionalities and lower market impact initially. |
| Enhanced battery life, with up to 23 hours of video playback on Surface Laptop and 16 hours of web browsing. | Initial devices were relatively expensive, limiting wider adoption. |
| Lowered pricing for new models starting at $799 for Surface Pro and $899 for Surface Laptop to appeal to a broader audience. | Earlier software compatibility issues, especially with many popular games, now improved. |
| Improved software compatibility with popular games on new Snapdragon X Plus chip. | Some flashy AI features like the Recall feature were controversial and replaced by more practical ones. |
| New hardware design improvements, including larger trackpad, 360-degree hinge on the Surface Pro, and sustainability with recycled cobalt batteries. | Some original AI features (like Recall) did not make it into the refined release. |
| Practical AI enhancements like voice control through a Copilot key and 'Click to Do' contextual actions. | |
| Creative AI tools like creating stickers in Paint via description and practical features like a new phone companion app for easier phone-PC integration. | |
| Use of new Microsoft AI models (e.g., Phi) to power advanced AI functionalities locally on the PC. |
Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/05/06/microsoft-ai-copilot-surface-pcs/83475310007/