Microsoft started using laptops with a name called Copilot+ PC in mid-2024, just like the second launch of the IBM PC Model 5150. They are “the fastest, smartest Windows PC to build in decades” and “the biggest change to Windows Platform,” it states. But if you cut off your marketing fluff, what does the word “Copilot+ PC” mean on a practical level? Anyway, what is a Copilot+ PC?
Here’s a little secret: Copilot+ PC is essentially just a newer Windows laptop with multiple unique AI capabilities. There are more, but it doesn’t sound that complicated.
Below, I wrote a simple guide for shoppers who want to know when they buy these so-called AI PCs, including the lowest specifications of AI PCs.
First of all: What is a co-pilot?
Copilot (formerly Bing Chat) is an AI assistant developed by Microsoft, powered by a custom version of Chatgpt from Openai. The Copilot application is pre-installed on every new Windows 11 laptop, and when you start the computer, you will see it pinned to the taskbar or the Start menu. All models released since 2024 also come with copy of the physical keyboard shortcuts. If you don’t use it, you can restart the hotkey, but there will always be a small subkey logo on it.
If you don’t have a Windows laptop, you can access Copilot on the web on Copilot.com, or install the Copilot application for free. It is available for MACOS, iOS, iPados and Android.
So, what exactly does “Copilot+ PC” mean?
Nine different laptop manufacturers make co-pilot + PC.
Image source: Microsoft
Copilot+ PC is a Windows laptop with some newer processor that can implement some AI-Power software features. They are often called “AI PCs”.
Microsoft announced the Copilot+ PC category in May 2024, and launched its first wave of devices a month later, so the genre is still fresh. In addition to Microsoft’s own models, Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, LG, MSI and Samsung all made Copilot+ PCs. They currently start at $699.99 and are for sale on Best Buy, Amazon and Costco, as well as the manufacturers’ websites.
Mixable light speed
Copilot+ PC Features
The Click to execute tool on Copilot+ PC is like a smarter right-click menu.
Image source: Microsoft
Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC Feature Suite (or “Experience” is not available on other Windows laptops):
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Click to do Various actions are recommended when you highlight text and images (beyond the standard “copy”). For example, if you select a paragraph on the website, clicking “to Do” will provide a summary, turn it into a list, and then rewrite it in a different tone.
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Improved Windows Search Files and settings can be found on your computer without their exact name or correct spelling.
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Live subtitles Translate video and audio from more than 44 languages to English in real time. It’s actually the same as Google’s real-time subtitle tool for Chrome and Android devices.
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CROCEATOR It is an image generator in Microsoft Paint.
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Image creator and restyle images They are the image generator and photo filtering tools in Microsoft Photos. Certain secondary copper+ PCs have additional image enhancement in photos Super resolutionthe entire lineup will be awarded later this year.
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Remember Continue to screenshots on the screen to make it searchable. This is controversial for security reasons; in order to use it, you must choose to save screenshots and enable the biometric login option.
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Windows Studio Effects It is a webcam tool. They can keep you framed, make your face look better, blur the background, add filters, minimize background noise, and adjust your gaze to make it look like you have direct eye contact. (I tried that, it was weird.)
Copilot+ PC requirements
A Copilot+ PC must have an NPU, not just any NPU.
Image source: Microsoft
In order to run these functions, the Copilot+ PC must comply with certain specifications. Microsoft notes that these may change over time, but currently include:
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At least 16GB RAM
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At least 256GB of SSD or UFS storage
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Processors (or neural processing unit, extra hardware for AI tasks) with nice NPUs
More specifically, the NPU of a Copilot+ PC must be able to perform at least 40 tops (or trillion operations per second, which is a measure of quantifying AI performance). In the NPU of modern laptops, 40 tops are on the high end, usually maximizing with 50 tops. To boil, this means that the Copilot+ PC is one of the fastest laptops when AI processes it.
There are currently three types of laptop processors that can tick the NPU of this box with at least 40 tops:
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Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series Processors (Snapdragon X, X Plus and X Elite)
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Intel Core Ultra 200V series processor, also known as Intel Lunar Lake (Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, 5 228V, 5 236V, 5 238V, 7 238V, 7 256V, 7 258V, 7 258V, 7 266V, 7 268V and 9 288V)
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AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processors (AMD Ryzen AI 5 340, 7 350, 9 365, 9 HX 370 and 9 HX 375)
Another important thing: Snapdragon X-series processors are ARM-based chips, which means they work differently than X86-based Intel and AMD processors. Therefore, they are incompatible with certain applications that only run on X86 systems – mainly professional applications such as AutoCAD and certain school software. For this exact reason, many top public universities are actively preventing students from getting Snapdragon-powered laptops. Keep this in mind if you are buying a new Windows laptop; your primary use case may remove a third of your choice.
Copilot+ PC Review: The Models We Like
Mashable has been testing Copilot+ PCs since the category was launched, and we found that they tend to score particularly well on battery life – surpassing the updated Apple MacBooks. Some of our favorite models include the 13.8-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, a powerhouse that looks like a polished powerhouse that is overall our top Windows laptop; the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-In-1 Aura Edition, our No. 1 convertible (and our battery life champion at dominance); and the Asus Zenbook A14, which is super convenient for under $1,000.
For more information, check out our guide to the best Windows laptops.
Shopping Our Favorite Co-pilot + PC:
Disclosure: Mashable’s parent company Ziff Davis filed a lawsuit against Openai in April, accusing it of infringing on Ziff Davis’ copyright in training and operating its AI systems.
