Microsoft Copilot+ Daily news digest, 11-08-2024

Executive summary:

The news surrounding Microsoft Copilot+ highlights several key aspects of the platform, particularly in relation to its software capabilities and hardware compatibility.

Battery Life is not explicitly addressed in the news summaries, but the focus on AI features and performance enhancements suggests that devices running Copilot+ may experience varying impacts on battery consumption, especially with the introduction of resource-intensive applications.

System Performance appears to be a significant focus, particularly with the introduction of generative AI features in applications like Paint and Notepad. The improvements in performance, such as Notepad launching over 35% faster, indicate that Microsoft is prioritizing efficiency. However, the reliance on Snapdragon (Arm) CPUs for certain features may limit performance benefits for users with different hardware configurations.

Hardware compatibility is a critical concern, as many of the new features, particularly the generative fill and erase capabilities in Paint, are currently exclusive to Copilot+ PCs equipped with Snapdragon processors. This exclusivity raises questions about the future support for non-Arm devices, which could alienate a segment of users who do not have the latest hardware.

Software advancements are at the forefront of the Copilot+ narrative, with Microsoft rolling out AI-enabled tools that enhance user experience in legacy applications. The introduction of generative AI functionalities is a notable step forward, but the early testing phase may lead to delays and potential bugs, which could affect user satisfaction.

Security and Privacy are not directly mentioned in the news, but the integration of AI tools often raises concerns about data handling and user privacy. As these features are rolled out, it will be essential for Microsoft to address any potential vulnerabilities that may arise from increased connectivity and data processing.

Compatibility issues are highlighted, particularly with the Prism emulator for Arm PCs, which expands support for x64 applications but still has limitations regarding older 32-bit software. This could pose challenges for users relying on legacy applications that have not yet transitioned to newer architectures.

Reliability is a concern as well, given that many features are still in testing. Users may experience bugs or performance issues, particularly with the new generative AI functionalities. The reliance on user feedback for refining these features suggests that the final product may evolve significantly before its general release.

Overall, while Microsoft Copilot+ is positioned as a significant advancement in AI-powered computing, the current limitations in hardware compatibility, potential performance issues, and the ongoing testing phase indicate that users should approach the platform with cautious optimism.

Details

Windows 11's best legacy apps get much-needed AI-powered love from Microsoft — but the best experience is Copilot+ PC limited

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11s-best-legacy-apps-get-much-needed-ai-powered-love-from-microsoft-but-the-best-experience-is-copilot-pc-limited

Get the Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC for its lowest price ever in early Black Friday deal

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/get-the-surface-laptop-7-copilot-pc-for-its-lowest-price-ever-in-early-black-friday-deal/ar-AA1tvgst?ocid=BingNewsVerp

Microsoft readies impressive AI upgrade for beloved Windows apps on Copilot+ PCs

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://www.laptopmag.com/software/microsoft-readies-impressive-ai-upgrade-for-beloved-windows-apps-on-copilot-pcs

Windows 11’s Paint and Notepad apps are getting smart new AI features – though one of the best will be for Copilot+ PCs only

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Generative fill in Paint allows users to easily add AI-generated elements to images. Generative fill is initially only available on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon (Arm) CPUs.
Generative erase feature lets users remove elements from images while seamlessly filling in the background. There is uncertainty about whether non-Arm Copilot+ PCs will eventually support generative fill.
Cocreator in Paint is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs and has been optimized for faster performance. Some users may feel that Notepad is becoming bloated with new features, conflicting with its original simplicity.
Notepad's performance has improved, launching over 35% faster for users. The rollout of these features is still in early testing, leading to potential delays in availability.

Source: https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/windows-11s-paint-and-notepad-apps-are-getting-smart-new-ai-features-though-one-of-the-best-will-be-for-copilot-pcs-only

Microsoft rolls out AI-enabled Notepad to Windows Insiders

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://www.theregister.com/2024/11/07/microsoftainotepad_paint/

Microsoft rolls out generative AI Tools to Paint and Notepad for Windows Insiders

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://www.fonearena.com/blog/439620/microsoft-windows-paint-notepad-generative-ai-tools.html

Paint's generative fill and erase are Snapdragon Copilot+ only

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://mspoweruser.com/microsofts-generative-fill-erase-on-paint-is-only-available-to-copilot-pcs-with-snapdragon-chips-for-now/

Windows 11 Build 27744 Expands Prism Emulator for Arm PCs

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Enhanced Prism emulator supports a wider range of x64 applications. Limited support for older 32-bit software.
Addition of critical CPU instruction set extensions like AVX and AVX2. Performance limitations noted in some applications.
Improved gaming compatibility with anti-cheat systems like Denuvo and BattlEye. Potential for bugs or issues as features are still in testing.
Demonstrated capability of running demanding applications like Baldur’s Gate 3 on Arm devices. Reliance on user feedback for refining features may delay final release.
New generative AI functionalities in standard applications like Paint and Notepad. Some features may be modified or withdrawn before general release.
Updates to Task Manager for better resource management. Compatibility issues may still exist for certain applications.

Source: https://winbuzzer.com/2024/11/07/windows-11-build-27744-expands-prism-emulator-for-arm-pcs-xcxwbn/