Link to original video by Austin Evans

The New Windows is HERE.

The Significance of Copilot+ PCs

  • The new Copilot+ PCs represent a fundamental rewrite of Windows and its capabilities, accompanied by major updates to the software side.

  • Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chip plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance and features of these new devices.

  • These laptops are expected to be a significant focus in the tech world in the upcoming months.

"This is Windows 11, but it is a much, much bigger update than it might look like on the Surface."

The Role of Snapdragon X Elite in Windows Evolution

  • Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chip, integrated into the new Copilot+ PCs, marks a shift in Windows capabilities and performance.

  • The architecture of ARM, used in Snapdragon chips, differs from x86 architecture, which is common in PCs.

  • Microsoft aims to encourage developers to support ARM processors for enhanced performance and efficiency in Windows.

"Unlike the x86 backbone that Intel and AMD have been using for decades, Snapdragon uses ARM, which is the standard on Macs, phones, and tablets, but it hasn't really gained traction on the PC."

Improvements in Emulation for Unoptimized Apps

  • The Prism emulator on Snapdragon-powered devices allows for the emulation of older apps designed for x86 and x64 architectures.

  • Microsoft's focus on improving emulation performance enhances the compatibility of applications on ARM-based devices.

  • Unoptimized apps should now perform comparably to a last-generation Core i7, providing a seamless user experience.

"Now, this is very similar in nature to the Rosetta 2 layer that Apple use to do the exact same thing on the Mac side."

AI Features and Recall on Windows

  • The demonstration showcases the innovative Recall feature powered by the NPU, which constantly monitors and records user activity for easier retrieval.

  • Recall allows users to effortlessly navigate through past activities by capturing screenshots of screen content at strategic intervals.

  • With features like Recall, Windows on Copilot+ PCs offers advanced AI capabilities that enhance user productivity and workflow organization.

"The way this works is that the NPU is taking a screenshot of whatever's on your screen every little while."

Privacy and Security Settings

  • The feature can be turned off on specific devices with no internet connection, ensuring that all actions occur offline.

  • Users have control over storage limits and can manage the frequency of snapshots taken.

  • By setting filters, users can restrict snapshots based on specific apps or websites.

  • Snapshots can be deleted based on customizable time intervals, allowing for selective retention of screen captures.

Now, probably big question you have is, "Yikes, that's kind of creepy." [...] Microsoft can't see it, it's all encrypted.

AI Features in Windows

  • AI features like live captions and translations are integrated into Windows, showcasing the advancements in technology on day one.

  • The NPU's enhanced capabilities in Windows open the door for a plethora of additional features and functionalities in the future.

  • Third-party apps can harness this technology for various purposes with minimal delay and increased security.

"There are so many third-party apps that can leverage this kind of tech to do all kinds of stuff with almost no latency."

Hardware Features & Ecosystem Diversity

  • The Surface Laptop no longer supports the pen, likely due to the complexity of adding support without compromising other features such as touchscreen functionality.

  • Users interested in pen functionality should consider the Surface Pro 9 instead as a dedicated option.

  • Beyond Microsoft's devices, various OEMs like Samsung, Lenovo, Dell, and ASUS are also introducing new laptops, with the Lenovo Yoga 7X as an example of a Snapdragon-powered device that echoes some advantages seen in the new Microsoft Surfaces.

Even though the new Surfaces are impressive, the ecosystem is expanding rapidly with the arrival of devices from various other manufacturers, showcasing similar innovation and performance improvements.

Performance and Future of ARM-powered Windows Devices

  • While Qualcomm, Intel, AMD, and Apple are in an arms race for better laptop performance and battery life, ARM-powered Windows machines represent a notable step forward.

  • The future likely holds more manufacturers joining the ARM-powered trend, enhancing competition and potentially improving performance and efficiency across the board.

  • Despite initial concerns about app compatibility and consumer acceptance of a shift to ARM processors in laptops, Microsoft's dedication to this technology indicates a significant change in the way Windows devices will operate.

The rise of ARM-powered Windows devices signifies a shift in the industry towards improved performance and efficiency, with potential for broad adoption beyond the current offerings.

Austin Evans Creatively Borrowing Devices

  • Austin Evans mentions that he will creatively borrow multiple devices to explore the new Windows version and test its features extensively.

  • He humorously refers to borrowing the devices as "fair game," implying he will use them for an extended period to provide a comprehensive review.

  • Evans implies that once he finishes testing the devices, he will return them as indicated when he mentions "give back, eventually."

I'm gonna go creatively borrow some devices. You know, it's fair game if I want to do an extended test, and I'll see you back at the office when I am able to give you a full review of the devices that I'm gonna give back, eventually.

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