With Build still a month away, Microsoft is giving us a taste of what’s to come with an online-only event this week. Although labeled as a Windows event, AI is the focus here as Copilot takes center stage. The software giant has also used this opportunity to refresh its Surface line, showcasing its commitment to integrating chatbot technology into its devices.
The newly released Surface Pro 10 for Business and Surface Laptop 6 for Business feature a Copilot key located between the Alt key and arrows. Nancie Gaskill, general manager of Surface, writes in a recent post, “The new Copilot key on Surface Laptop 6 makes accessing the power of AI even easier, with a quick button press to invoke Copilot in Windows.” This feature allows customers to efficiently plan their day, find documents using natural text, and analyze websites, all while ensuring commercial data protection.
This Copilot key is at the core of what Microsoft is calling “the first Surface PCs optimized for AI.” This integration shows commitment to a project that is still relatively new, with Copilot being launched for Microsoft 365 only a year ago. And let’s not forget about the Cortana keys that were once a thing.
The release of these systems aligns with the trend of “AI PCs,” a term coined by branding executives. However, this term, along with “AI smartphones” like the Samsung Galaxy S24, hold little meaning to the average consumer. Intel has also jumped on this trend with “the AI PC powered by Intel,” while Apple boasts about their M3 MacBook Airs being “the best consumer laptops for AI.” Microsoft’s terminology strikes a balance, riding the trend without making false promises.
Although a Copilot key may seem like a minor feature, it is a commitment nonetheless, especially since space is very limited on a laptop or tablet keyboard. Out-of-the-box functionality for Copilot includes handwriting analysis for OneNote, showing just how valuable this technology is for the enterprise market.
The Surface Laptop 6 for Business is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 processor and the Intel Boost NPY (neural processing unit), with options for 8-64GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. The 13.5- and 15-inch touchscreens offer 18.5 and 19 hours of battery life, respectively. The Surface Pro 10 for Business features a 13-inch touchscreen, powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 and the Intel AI Boost NPU.
With this update, it’s clear that Microsoft is putting its trust in Copilot and its potential for enhancing productivity for businesses. By adding the Copilot key to their business-focused devices, Microsoft solidifies their commitment to AI and enterprise. Keep an eye out for more AI-focused updates at Build next month.
