Microsoft continues to bet heavily on artificial intelligence. The new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop that the company has just announced are proof of this: These are the first devices to feature the Copilot+ designation, a name also introduced this Monday with that aims to usher in a “new era” for Windows.
Despite being different on the outside, these two computers have a lot in common. To start off, they both include Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips. They also boast excellent battery life and the latest AI advancements in Windows. Here’s what you need to know about Microsoft latest offerings.
Surface Pro, the First Copilot+ Computer
Microsoft’s catalog of 2-in-1 devices has been renewed with the new Surface Pro. The fact that the name of this new-gen device isn't accompanied by a model number suggests that the company is changing the way it refers to this product line with its new focus on AI.
Two months ago, the Surface Pro 10–a business device with an Intel chip at its core–was introduced to the world. The recently announced Surface Pro comes with two alternatives: Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite. Both options promise to be powerful enough to compete directly with the new MacBook Air with M3 chips.
Incorporating an ARM chip not only represents an advantage in terms of performance, but also when it comes to battery life. According to the company, this computer will have enough autonomy to last “all day.” Specifically, up to 14 hours of local video playback and up to 10 hours of web browsing.
The 11th iteration of the Surface Pro comes with a new OLED screen with a 1000:1 contrast ratio. It should be noted that this is an optional feature; users can still opt for the classic LCD display. Regardless of the buyer’s choice, the resolution will be 2,880 x 1,920, and the dynamic refresh rate will be 120 Hz.
In terms of RAM, there are two LPDDR5x options: 16 GB or 32 GB. Storage (Gen 4 SSD) options include 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB. Externally, the device retains its familiar design, but with some changes. For example, the detachable keyboard includes a battery that gives it the ability to be used via Bluetooth while it is physically disconnected.
A Renewed Surface Laptop
The Surface Laptop does have a new and different design. The laptop, available in 13.8 and 15-inch sizes, comes with thinner bezels, rounded corners, and a larger haptic touchpad on the keyboard. The new features also include two USB-C (USB4) ports, one USB-A port, and a MicroSD slot in the larger model.
The 7th iteration of the laptop offers a choice between Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus chips. When it comes to RAM, there are two LPDDR5x options, 16 GB and 32 GB (these days, starting with 16 GB is good news). For Gen 4 SSD storage, options vary between 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB.
Microsoft claims that the new Surface Laptop is “80 percent faster than our previous generation” and offers “exceptional battery life.” In the case of the 15-inch model, it promises up to 22 hours of local video playback and up to 15 hours of web browsing.
AI Innovations Take Center Stage
Although the names of Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm were mentioned during the tech giant’s event, the first Copilot+ devices are ARM-based, meaning they belong to Qualcomm. As such, the latest AI innovations will first arrive on the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop that we mention in this article.
The innovations in question are a new evolution of the File Explorer called Recall and on-device video call translation. Improvements are also coming to Windows Studio Effects, the system that gives users access to background blur, automatic framing, and voice enhancement.
Price and Availability of the New Surface Pro and Surface Laptop
The new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop are available for preorder and they will begin shipping on June 18. These are the starting prices:
- 13.8-inch Surface Laptop: starts at $999.99.
- 15-inch Surface Laptop: starts at $1,299.99.
- 13-inch Surface Pro with LCD display: starts at $999.99.
- 13-inch Surface Pro with OLED display: starts at $1,499.99.
Images | Microsoft
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