At this year's Build developer conference, Microsoft announced its ambitious plan to integrate generative AI deeply into Windows and its hardware ecosystem. The company introduced Copilot+ PCs, featuring AI-driven functionalities and enhancements to the Windows 11 experience.
**Generative AI Integration**
Microsoft is embedding its Copilot generative AI across Windows 11, bringing new features like Recall, which helps users find previously accessed apps, files, and other content. This move signifies a major step towards making AI a core component of the Windows operating system.
**Volumetric Apps and Meta Partnership**
Windows Volumetric Apps, which are spatially aware VR applications, are coming to Meta Quest headsets. This partnership will extend Windows 365 and local PC connectivity to these headsets. During a demo, Microsoft showcased a 3D interactive model of an Xbox controller that users could manipulate via a Meta Quest 3 headset.
**Copilot+ PCs**
The new Copilot+ PCs are designed with dedicated AI chips called NPUs to enhance AI functionalities. These machines come with a minimum of 16GB RAM and SSD storage. The first models, featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and Plus chips, promise impressive battery life — up to 15 hours of web browsing and 20 hours of video playback. Major manufacturers like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung will also produce Copilot+ PCs, with prices starting at $999.
**New Surface Devices**
Microsoft introduced new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro models. The Surface Laptop boasts a redesigned look, longer battery life (up to 22 hours), and is significantly faster than its predecessor. The Surface Pro features a new OLED display with HDR, Wi-Fi 7, optional 5G, and an improved ultrawide front-facing camera.
**Recall Feature**
Windows 11's Recall feature can remember user activity from weeks or months prior, helping users find specific content and discussions. Recall supports natural language searches and ensures privacy by keeping all data on-device.
**Image Editing and Live Translations**
Copilot now includes Super Resolution for upscaling old photos and Cocreator for generating and editing images. Live Captions with live translations will translate audio from any source on a PC into one of 40 supported languages. This feature will extend to Microsoft Edge, offering real-time video translation on various platforms.
**Team Copilot and Extensions**
Team Copilot integrates with Microsoft Teams to manage meeting agendas and notes, extending its capabilities to Loop and Planner. Additionally, Copilot Extensions allow developers to enhance GitHub Copilot with third-party apps and skills.
**Windows Copilot Runtime**
The Windows Copilot Runtime, comprising about 40 AI models, powers features like Recall and Super Resolution. This runtime enables generative AI-powered apps to function without a constant internet connection. Microsoft announced that CapCut and Meta's WhatsApp will leverage these new capabilities.
**Upgraded Bot Builders**
Azure AI Studio will soon let developers create apps using pay-as-you-go inference APIs, launching with models from Nixtla and Core42. Copilot agents, a new addition, can manage business workflows, learning from user feedback and adapting as needed.
Microsoft's announcements at Build reflect its commitment to making AI a fundamental part of the Windows ecosystem, enhancing both user and developer experiences.
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