Microsoft Copilot+ Daily news digest, 10-18-2024

Executive summary:

The news surrounding Microsoft Copilot+ today highlights several key aspects across various categories, particularly focusing on the ASUS Vivobook S 14 OLED and the implications of Qualcomm's recent decisions.

Battery Life is a notable point of discussion, especially with the ASUS Vivobook S 14 OLED, which is equipped with a powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor. While the device promises good battery performance, there are concerns that actual battery life may vary significantly based on usage patterns. Additionally, the Qualcomm Snapdragon Dev Kit was noted for its good battery life, although the cancellation of this kit raises questions about the overall reliability of battery performance in future devices.

System Performance appears to be a strong suit for the ASUS Vivobook, which features a 10-core Zen 5 CPU and RDNA 3.5 GPU, suggesting reliable performance for multitasking and general use. However, there are concerns that the performance may not meet expectations for heavy gaming, indicating a potential limitation for users with demanding graphical needs. The Snapdragon X Elite processor in other devices is also highlighted for providing snappy performance, although some creative applications are still not fully optimized.

Hardware specifications are impressive in the ASUS model, with 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB Gen 4 SSD, which should facilitate fast storage access and enhanced multitasking capabilities. However, the limited upgrade options for RAM and storage could be a drawback for users looking for more flexibility. The cancellation of the Qualcomm Dev Kit due to hardware issues, including the removal of the HDMI port, raises concerns about the robustness of hardware in the Copilot+ ecosystem.

Software integration with AI features is a significant advantage of the Copilot+ platform, particularly with the inclusion of an NPU in the ASUS device that supports advanced AI functionalities. However, there are potential compatibility issues with older software, which could hinder user experience, especially for those relying on legacy applications.

Security and Privacy concerns are indirectly highlighted through the cancellation of the Qualcomm Dev Kit, which was labeled as "not FCC approved for resale." This raises questions about the security standards of devices being developed under the Copilot+ umbrella. Furthermore, the recent news about Microsoft delaying a recall due to security concerns emphasizes the importance of robust security measures in the software and hardware associated with Copilot+.

Compatibility issues are a recurring theme, particularly with the ARM architecture in some devices, which may lead to hiccups with certain applications and accessories. This is a critical consideration for users who depend on a wide range of software and peripherals.

Reliability is a mixed bag, as the ASUS Vivobook shows promise with its specifications but faces skepticism regarding its performance in heavy gaming scenarios. The cancellation of the Qualcomm Dev Kit due to failure to meet standards also raises questions about the reliability of future devices in the Copilot+ ecosystem.

Overall, while the Copilot+ platform shows significant potential with its integration of AI and advanced hardware, there are notable concerns regarding compatibility, performance under specific conditions, and the implications of recent hardware cancellations. These factors will be crucial for consumers and developers as they navigate the evolving landscape of AI-powered devices.

Details

ASUS’ new Vivobook S 14 OLED Copilot+ PC with AMD Ryzen AI 9 just hit the all-time low at $1,080 ($120 off)

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Powered by AMD’s new Ryzen AI 9 365 Strix Point APU Price may still be high for some consumers
10-core Zen 5 CPU and RDNA 3.5 Radeon 880M GPU for reliable performance Limited availability of certain models
Equipped with an NPU with 50 TOPs to support AI features Potential compatibility issues with older software
24GB of LPDDR5X RAM for enhanced multitasking Battery life may vary depending on usage
512GB Gen 4 SSD for fast storage access Performance may not meet expectations for heavy gaming
14-inch 3K OLED panel with up to 120Hz refresh rate Limited upgrade options for RAM and storage
Thin and light form factor with a sleek metal chassis May not appeal to users preferring larger screens
Single-zone RGB keyboard for aesthetic appeal Price drop may indicate initial overpricing

Source: https://9to5toys.com/2024/10/17/asus-vivobook-s-14-oled-copilot-pc-all-time-low-1080/

Qualcomm cancels Windows dev kit PC for “comprehensively” failing to meet standards

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Promises unique AI features Snapdragon Dev Kit was canceled, causing disappointment among developers
Good battery life Initial rollout faced repeated delays
Reduced app and hardware compatibility issues compared to previous Windows-on-Arm attempts Hardware problems with the Dev Kit, including removal of HDMI port
Launch of 30+ Snapdragon X-series powered PCs Dev Kit labeled as "not FCC approved for resale"
Developer kits offered a cheaper entry into the Copilot+ ecosystem Higher cost for comparable systems, e.g., Surface Pro tablet priced at $2,100

Source: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/10/qualcomm-cancels-windows-dev-kit-pc-for-comprehensively-failing-to-meet-standards/

Microsoft delays Recall after security concerns, and asks Windows Insiders for help

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/microsoft-delays-recall-after-security-concerns-and-asks-windows-insiders-for-help/ar-BB1oeMbN?ocid=iehp5

Surface Laptop 7 Leaks: What We Know So Far

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://www.analyticsinsight.net/photo/surface-laptop-7-leaks-what-we-know-so-far

AMD launches new Ryzen AI Pro 300 chips for powerful Copilot+ business laptops

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/amd-launches-new-ryzen-ai-pro-300-chips-for-powerful-copilot-business-laptops/ar-AA1s7hg3?ocid=BingNewsVerp

The Windows laptop I recommend to most people undercuts the MacBook Air (and it's on sale)

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Sleek, lightweight design reminiscent of a MacBook Potential compatibility hiccups with certain apps, games, and accessories due to ARM architecture
Available in 13.8- and 15-inch form factors Early stages of ARM architecture in Windows may lead to issues
Bright, 120Hz HDR touchscreen display Not equipped with an OLED display, which could enhance visual quality
Latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor provides snappy performance Some creative apps still not fully optimized, though improvements noted
Impressive battery life compared to previous models Performance in video editing software not 100% flawless, but improved
Well-optimized processor comparable to other Copilot+ PCs in the same price range Mixed reviews for previous versions in the Surface line
Smooth multitasking experience across the Windows ecosystem

Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-windows-laptop-i-recommend-to-most-people-undercuts-the-macbook-air-and-its-on-sale/

Surface Laptop with Intel Lunar Lake processor spotted, new design launching in 2025

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://www.tweaktown.com/news/101168/surface-laptop-with-intel-lunar-lake-processor-spotted-new-design-launching-in-2025/index.html

Next-gen Lunar Lake ThinkPad laptop will hit the market in February 2025, starting at $2,199 — ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition sports 32GB RAM and up to 2TB PCIe 5.0 SSD

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Compatibility with advanced AI applications like Microsoft Copilot+ and Lenovo AI Now High price point starting at $2,199, which may deter potential buyers
Supports up to 32GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM for enhanced performance Uncertainty about the effectiveness of AI features in real-world usage
Features a customer-replaceable 57 Whr battery with up to 18 hours of battery life Lack of specific details on which 200V series CPU will be used
Equipped with a high-quality 2.8K OLED 14-inch 120Hz touchscreen display Potential performance limitations of the AI tasks on the 200V series CPUs
Adequate I/O options including Thunderbolt 4 and USB 3.2 ports Competition from other brands like Asus and Acer with lower starting prices

Source: https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/next-gen-lunar-lake-thinkpad-laptop-will-hit-the-market-in-february-2025-starting-at-usd2-199-thinkpad-x1-2-in-1-gen-10-aura-edition-sports-32gb-ram-and-up-to-2tb-pcie-5-0-ssd

Honor Tablet GT Pro released as new flagship Android tablet challenger

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Honor-Tablet-GT-Pro-released-as-new-flagship-Android-tablet-challenger.902651.0.html