Many manufacturers have launched their new laptops branded “Copilot+ PC”. The promise is to offer computers centered around AI, but in concrete terms, what does that bring? Is this not just a marketing argument? Should you fall for a machine of this type right away? We will explain everything to you.
AI everywhere, AI all the time. Artificial intelligence is the big trend of the moment and Microsoft intends to focus on it for Windows 11. Its solution? Copilot, an assistant capable of answering all your questions, to guide you in your cooking recipes or even create images for you on request. AI is also making its way into our software, such as Paint or those dedicated to photo processing.
To push this technology, Microsoft worked with its partners on computers branded Copilot+PC. Machines sold as “AI friendly”. But what do they really bring? Should we break down? We will explain everything to you.
What is a Copilot+ PC?
A Copilot+ PC is simply a computer designed as “AI Compatible”. It therefore has the capacity to operate artificial intelligence locally thanks to its technical capabilities.
To benefit from “Copilot+PC” certification, manufacturers must meet certain material conditions. The most important thing is to have a processor with an NPU of 40 TOPS. The NPU is a part of the processor dedicated exclusively to AI processing, and therefore supports the CPU and the GPU. You also need 16 GB of RAM and a minimum 256 GB SSD. For the moment, only PCs with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor are compatible, but AMD and Intel are in the mix.
As we write these lines, around ten Copilot+ PCs are currently available. Asus, Acer, HP, Lenovo, Dell… all the manufacturers have gotten involved.
Also read – This laptop wants to mark a revolution in the world of computing with its Snapdragon X Elite processor. Our review of the Asus Vivobook S15
What are the differences between a “classic” PC and a Copilot+ PC?
Copilot+ PCs have certain features that differentiate them from other models. The most obvious, It’s the Copilot key on the keyboard. It replaces the right Ctrl and allows, with a simple press, to launch the Microsoft tool in order to converse with it or create visuals. Obviously, Copilot+ PCs have the Copilot application installed by default. A small colored icon therefore appears on the taskbar when you first start it.
But the most important difference is at the processor level, which has a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit), of at least 40 TOPS as we noted above. It is this particularity that allows AI to be used locally in certain compatible applications.
What can you do with a Copilot+ PC?
A Copilot+ PC centers usage around AI, with this dedicated button which allows you to directly launch the Copilot application. A web application that works… online and therefore accessible to everyone, even on your current PC or smartphone. If your machine is not connected, there is no assistant! So why bother with an AI-focused computer if yours can give you access to Copilot? Because Microsoft plans other local uses.
For example, the Photos application welcomes a new Tool: Image Creator. Based on Dall-E 3 from Open IA, it allows you to create drawings using your imagination. It is true that the thing works locally and that the NPU works when put to the test, but this does not provide any added value compared to what is already found online. It also makes it easier to modify your photos, by removing the background, for example. Practical, but already seen elsewhere.
Paint also has AI-centric features. An image creator similar to Photos, but also a co-creator. Draw a scribble and Paint will turn it into a work of art. It’s fun, technologically stunning, but a bit useless. It must be said that not many people are fans of disembodied visuals created by AI. Other uses, such as instantly generated subtitles or adding effects to Windows Studios Effect, are possible.
However, the most interesting new feature is called Rappel (or Recall). It scans and then records all activity on your screen and acts as a constantly evolving archive. The interest is being able to find something specific with a simple query. Concrete example: “What was the document I was working on a month ago where there was a photo of sunglasses in a leather bag? » Hop, Recall analyzes everything that happened on your PC and finds it for you in no time! No interaction with Microsoft servers, everything is done locally.
There is a catch, since Recall is not yet available at the time of writing! Indeed, Microsoft is under fire with this functionality. Who wants software constantly spying on their screen? In order to rework its copy, the Redmond firm postponed the release of Recall to a later date. Copilot+ PCs are therefore deprived of their most interesting functionality.
What does Microsoft AI promise in the future?
The integration of AI into our lives is quite recent and it is an area where everything still seems to be cleared. Microsoft promises many things in the future, such as deeper integration of Copilot into Windows integrated software: PowerPoint, Word, etc. Copilot should also be fully integrated into the OS, as was the case in the original promise. In fact, it could know what you are doing in real time and even have access to your settings in order to adjust a few things if you ask it.
Even more, the Redmond firm presented a demo of a user chatting with Copilot while he plays. The AI sees what he’s doing on his screen and helps him learn the basics of Minecraft in real time, all in a conversational tone. This democratization of AI will arrive on our PCs in the future, and increasingly locally.
Should you go for a Copilot+ PC?
Copilot+ PCs therefore have a taste of the future with their functionalities and their promises. Should we let ourselves be seduced? Our answer is clear: it is urgent to wait. Today, there is little point in buying a Copilot+ PC just to take advantage of AI. Local uses are still extremely limited, even gimmicky, and the Copilot application is accessible online on any browser, and even on mobile. The presence of Recall? Postponed to the Greek calendars.
However, we can ask ourselves the question of the future. AI functionalities will multiply (certain software such as those in the Adobe suite already use them) and the technology will enter all layers of our uses. So wouldn’t it be wise to start thinking about tomorrow now by opting for a Copilot+ PC? Not really. The first models, equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor, do not shine with their performance outside the NPU and the most interesting uses are already available online.
However, the very idea of Copilot+ PCs is far from being thrown away. The first salvo of products sounds more like a trial run than anything else. With the democratization of technology, future computers will all be “AI proof” and it is not impossible that the user himself does not see the contribution of AI in his daily life, as it risks adapting to all the contours of our uses.
Also read – Windows 11: we tested the new image creator in the Photos application… And we didn’t expect that!
Buy a Copilot+ PC exclusively to benefit from AI today? It’s not really relevant. On the other hand, no one will be able to cut it, even those who have no intention of using these tools. In a few months, all PCs will have the capacity to run AI locally and will benefit from Recall if it decides to be released. AI is well on its way to invading our lives, whether on PC, mobile or in many other aspects. Microsoft is ready for this revolution.