Microsoft Build 2024: AI Focus and New Surface Hardware Expected

 

Microsoft Build 2024: AI Focus and New Surface Hardware Expected

Microsoft Build 2024 is shaping up to be a significant event, with a strong emphasis on AI integration and potential updates to the Surface lineup. Here's a breakdown of the key things to expect:

AI Focus

• Microsoft seems to be heavily invested in AI, following its Bing Chat success and continued development of Copilot.
• Build 2024 is likely to showcase advancements in this area, potentially including:
  • New chips with built-in NPUs for faster AI tasks.
  • Features powered by AI like real-time translation.
  • A new "AI Explorer" tool offering improved search, timeline features, and contextual suggestions.
  • Local AI capabilities through advancements in Copilot, allowing for features like live captions and on-device generative AI tools.

Surface Refresh

• While a minor Surface update happened earlier this year for enterprises, Build 2024 might bring new consumer-focused devices:
  • Surface Laptop 6 with thinner bezels, larger trackpads, more ports, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip.
  • An ARM-based Surface Pro 10 with a design similar to the business model but with updated accessories, potentially including a Copilot key on the Type Cover.
• These devices are anticipated to compete with Apple's M3-powered MacBook Air in terms of speed and AI performance.
• Improved emulation for x86 software on ARM-based Windows 11 is also expected, addressing past issues with the Surface Pro 9 5G.
• It will be interesting to see if Microsoft adopts a complete design overhaul for its consumer Surfaces to better suit the mobile processors.

Copilot Enhancements

• Microsoft seems keen on integrating Copilot (its AI assistant) across various platforms.
• Build might reveal advancements in Copilot, including:
  • Local functionality, allowing for faster response times for basic tasks without relying on the internet.
  • Integration with Microsoft Edge browser (Copilot on Edge).
  • Plugins for Microsoft 365 productivity apps (Copilot for 365).

Beyond Microsoft

• With the rise of AI-powered PCs, expect announcements from other manufacturers like Dell and Lenovo who might unveil laptops featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip.

Overall

Microsoft Build 2024 promises to be an exciting event for those interested in the future of AI-powered computing and potential advancements for the Surface lineup and Windows 11. While some might be skeptical about the constant AI push, Microsoft seems determined to leverage machine learning to enhance the capabilities of Windows PCs.