Microsoft Copilot+ Daily news digest, 10-07-2024

Executive summary:

The recent news surrounding Microsoft Copilot+ highlights both its promising features and notable concerns across various categories.

Battery Life is one of the standout features of the Copilot+ platform, particularly in devices like Dell's Qualcomm-powered PC, which boasts an impressive battery life of over 27 hours. This capability significantly reduces battery anxiety for users, allowing for extended mobility without the constant need for chargers. Such longevity positions Copilot+ devices favorably against competitors, especially in a market where battery performance is a critical factor for consumers.

In terms of System Performance, the Copilot+ platform demonstrates strong capabilities, particularly with its multicore performance, achieving a Cinebench score of 8595, which is comparable to high-end processors like the Intel Core i9. This suggests that users can expect fast and efficient operation, especially when running x86 applications on the Arm-based Snapdragon processor. However, there are concerns regarding the limited software available to fully leverage the platform's 45 TOPS NPU capabilities, which may hinder the overall performance experience.

When examining Hardware, the lightweight design of devices like the Dell Copilot+ PC enhances portability, making it an attractive option for users on the go. However, the hardware design does have its drawbacks, such as a cramped keyboard layout with closely spaced keys and poorly designed virtual function keys, which could impact user experience negatively. Additionally, the touchpad's lack of visual or tactile cues presents usability challenges, indicating that while the hardware is innovative, it may not be fully optimized for user comfort.

In the realm of Software, the Copilot+ platform offers enhanced AI performance and unique features like the Recall function for file retrieval, which sets it apart from existing tools. However, there are criticisms regarding the originality of its AI offerings, as many features can be accessed without the need for a dedicated Copilot+ device. This raises questions about the necessity of the platform, especially when competing products may offer similar functionalities without the associated hardware.

Security and Privacy are critical considerations, particularly with the Recall feature, which has sparked controversy over data storage practices. While there are optional features aimed at enhancing user privacy, the concerns surrounding data management could deter potential users who prioritize security in their computing devices.

Compatibility is another area of interest, as the Copilot+ platform is designed to operate smoothly with popular applications like Adobe and DaVinci Resolve. However, the effectiveness of the platform in fully utilizing its AI capabilities remains uncertain, especially given that many AI services do not require a dedicated NPU. This could lead to questions about the overall value proposition of Copilot+ in a landscape where software compatibility is crucial.

Lastly, Reliability is a mixed bag. While the performance metrics suggest a robust system, the early reviews indicate that benchmarks for AI performance with NPUs are not yet available, leaving some uncertainty about their effectiveness under real-world conditions. This lack of detailed specifications, particularly regarding thermal design power (TDP) for new chipsets, adds to the ambiguity surrounding the reliability of the Copilot+ platform.

In summary, while Microsoft Copilot+ presents a compelling case with its exceptional battery life, strong system performance, and innovative features, it also faces significant challenges related to hardware design, software originality, and concerns over security and privacy. The overall success of the platform will depend on how these issues are addressed in future iterations and updates.

Details

If Dell's Qualcomm-powered Copilot+ PC is typical of the genre, other PCs are toast

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Exceptional battery life, lasting over 27 hours of continuous use Cramped keyboard design with closely spaced keys
Fast performance with a multicore Cinebench score of 8595, comparable to Intel Core i9 Virtual function keys that are poorly designed and offset
Smooth operation of x86 apps on the Arm-based Snapdragon processor Touchpad lacks visual or tactile cues, leading to usability issues
Good port placement with USB-C slots on both sides Screen quality struggles with brightness and contrast
Lightweight design at 1.19kg, enhancing portability Poor audio quality, particularly with certain sounds
Reduces battery anxiety, allowing for full-day mobility without chargers Limited software to fully utilize the 45 TOPS NPU capabilities

Source: https://www.theregister.com/2024/10/07/dellqualcommpoweredcopilotpc/

Despite Microsoft's best attempts, I'm still not sold on Copilot+ AI

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Enhanced AI performance with a strict requirement of 40 TOPS for entry Lack of originality in AI offerings compared to existing tools
Unique Recall feature for file retrieval that can't be replicated elsewhere Controversial data storage practices associated with the Recall feature
Optional feature for users concerned about privacy Competing products like Google Chromebook Plus offer better live translation capabilities
Access to AI in popular applications like Adobe and DaVinci Resolve Many AI services can be accessed without needing a Copilot+ device
Increased performance and power efficiency in AI PCs Most AI features do not require a dedicated NPU, questioning the need for Copilot+ branding

Source: https://www.laptopmag.com/ai/copilot-pcs/despite-microsofts-best-attempts-i-still-wont-be-using-copilot

Salesforce takes on GenAI copilot rival Microsoft

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://www.verdict.co.uk/analyst-comment/salesforce-takes-on-microsoft-genai/

Microsoft wants to change the way you use your PC. It needs to succeed.

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/microsoft-wants-to-change-the-way-you-use-your-pc-it-needs-to-succeed-194226582.html

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's "magical" GPT-4o felt more like routine Microsoft Copilot updates paired with a snub for Windows

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/openai-ceo-sam-altman-s-magical-gpt-4o-felt-more-like-routine-microsoft-copilot-updates-paired-with-a-snub-for-windows/ar-BB1mnozW

It’s official — Intel now holds the Windows battery life crown

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Enhanced performance due to new chipsets like AMD's Ryzen AI 300 and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X. Integrated GPUs in new chipsets are not significant upgrades over predecessors, limiting gaming and creator laptop capabilities.
Improved battery life, making Windows PCs more competitive against Apple’s Silicon MacBooks. Early reviews indicate that benchmarks for AI performance with NPUs are not yet available, leaving uncertainty about their effectiveness.
AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 chipset shows strong multi-core performance, leading among reviewed chipsets. Intel's Core Ultra 7 285V ranks last in performance among the new chipsets, raising concerns about its competitiveness.
Qualcomm and Intel chipsets focus on efficiency, with Snapdragon X Elite showing variable efficiency based on task demands. The performance of Intel's Lunar Lake chipsets is not as strong as previous Meteor Lake H-series chips, potentially limiting their appeal.
The new chipsets exceed Microsoft's requirement of 40 tera operations per second (TOPS) for NPUs, indicating strong AI capabilities. The lack of detailed specifications from Qualcomm regarding thermal design power (TDP) creates uncertainty about performance under load.

Source: https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/so-many-new-laptop-chipsets-which-one-is-the-best/

New Microsoft PC button will be its 1st major keyboard change in decades

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/new-microsoft-pc-button-will-be-its-1st-major-keyboard-change-in-decades/ar-AA1mtV2m?ocid=BingNewsVerp&apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1

Testing free AI content generators for real estate

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://bostonagentmagazine.com/2024/10/07/free-ai-content-generators-for-real-estate/

AI weather turns wild again

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://gadget.co.za/aiwildweather125m/

Copilot Arrives on WhatsApp: A Guide to Using the AI Assistant

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://www.gizchina.com/2024/10/07/copilot-arrives-on-whatsapp-a-guide-to-using-the-ai-assistant/