Microsoft’s mini AI PCs are on the way

Mini PCs Bring AI Performance of Copilot Plus to Desktops

Since ⁣microsoft‍ introduced its Arm-based⁤ Copilot ⁣Plus laptops ‌in June, many have wondered when we’d see Copilot Plus features ⁣on desktop PCs. six months later, its clear that mini PCs are⁤ poised to deliver the ‌AI‍ performance needed for ‍features like Recall,⁢ Click To ‍Do, AI-powered image generation, ⁢and editing ​in Windows 11. These powerful devices ⁣might even give Microsoft an edge⁣ in competing with Apple’s latest Mac Mini.

Asus‌ was the first PC manufacturer to announce a Copilot Plus ⁣capable mini ⁢PC‌ in ‍September [[1](https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/4/24235910/asus-nuc-14-pro-ai-copilot-button-mini-pc)]. They recently revealed ​the full specs of their ⁣upcoming ⁤NUC⁣ 14 Pro AI last month, ahead⁢ of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that‌ starts next week. This Asus mini PC ⁢even features a dedicated‌ Copilot ‌button⁢ and is nearly identical in size to Apple’s ‍latest Mac Mini.

Asus’ proclamation coincided⁢ with Taiwanese company Geekom ⁢revealing three new mini PCs for CES. Two models will feature ⁢Copilot Plus compatibility, one ‍with AMD’s Strix​ Point‍ CPUs ​and another with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processor. Geekom’s ‍third model runs on ‍Intel’s unannounced Arrow⁤ Lake-H ⁤laptop processors,‍ which likely⁣ lack the necessary Neural Processing ​Unit (NPU) to support Copilot ⁢Plus.

The race is on to bring Microsoft Copilot Plus features⁤ to a wider range of ‌PCs, and next week’s CES is shaping up to be ​a pivotal moment. While Copilot ‌Plus has already been integrated into laptops, the focus is now​ shifting⁤ towards mini ​PCs and even all-in-one PCs. ​ asus’s recent announcement of a mini PC⁢ with a dedicated Copilot button suggests a closer collaboration between Microsoft⁣ and PC manufacturers. This begs the ⁢question: how ⁣many⁤ other OEMs are ​working behind the scenes to‍ bring Copilot Plus to their own mini PCs? Geekom’s unveiling of a mini PC powered by​ Qualcomm chips marks ‌a critically⁣ important development, signaling the expansion of Qualcomm’s processor technology beyond laptops. Initially slated for ​a June release, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Dev⁢ Kit, designed for mini ⁢PCs, was unfortunately cancelled due to manufacturing challenges. However, Qualcomm has hinted​ at the possibility of its Snapdragon X Elite ⁢chips finding their ‍way into mini PCs and even⁢ all-in-one PCs, potentially expanding the Copilot Plus ecosystem further. While Copilot Plus may soon grace ⁣mini PCs and all-in-one ​pcs, traditional desktop PCs with powerful processors are still in the waiting game. Intel’s latest Core Ultra desktop CPU, released in‌ October, ​is equipped with an NPU but falls short of Microsoft’s 40 TOPS‍ requirement for Copilot Plus. the future of Copilot Plus on​ desktops‌ hinges on ⁣the next generation of CPUs from ​Intel and AMD, and whether these chipmakers prioritize more capable NPUs for desktop platforms. For now, mini PCs and all-in-one PCs utilizing laptop processors‌ remain the ‍only pathway ⁣to⁢ experiencing Copilot Plus in a desktop setting.

Microsoft Aims⁣ to Expand Copilot’s Reach Beyond Traditional Devices

While Copilot Plus⁤ features ⁤are currently limited to Windows PCs, ​Microsoft’s ambitions for its AI assistant extend ​far beyond. Sources ⁤close to the company’s plans reveal a keen ‍interest‍ in bringing⁢ Copilot to a wider range ⁢of⁤ devices,moving beyond⁢ the ⁤confines ⁤of PCs,smartphones,and tablets. Hints of this strategy surfaced⁣ recently,with Microsoft suggesting its plans for dedicated‍ AI hardware. In an October interview⁢ with ⁣ Notepad, Windows chief Pavan ‌Davuluri​ stated that the capabilities of modern AI models “will⁤ free up the ability to innovate in hardware and come out with purpose-built hardware.” Further insights into Microsoft’s⁣ vision emerged⁣ from an interview Yusuf ⁢Mehdi, executive⁤ vice⁢ president and consumer chief marketing officer at⁣ Microsoft, conducted⁣ with ‌YouTuber Austin Evans. ‍ In late October, Mehdi ‌remarked, “These devices that see the‍ world, that you​ wear on your body, on your person,⁢ I⁢ think that ‍those combined with ‌AI ⁣will be​ very valuable. It‌ can do ​image‌ recognition,it ⁤can‌ talk to you about ⁣what’s going on.​ I think that’s a‍ fascinating place that we’ll go.” While the specifics remain under wraps, it’s clear that Microsoft ⁢is gearing up for a significant push ‍in 2025 to make Copilot an integral part of‍ our‍ daily digital lives, expanding its presence across a diverse⁢ range of devices.

2024 ‍has been a significant year ​for Windows on ‍Arm,potentially surpassing even ‌the⁤ hype around “the ⁣year of the AI PC.” Windows on Arm machines saw substantial ​advancements in ⁣performance, compatibility, and battery life thanks to Copilot Plus PCs. I’m still ⁣surprised by how seamlessly I’ve integrated an Arm-powered Windows laptop into⁣ my daily routine.

However, a peculiar windows‌ 11 bug‌ has ⁣emerged,⁢ preventing ⁣some users from installing crucial security ​updates.⁢ Microsoft has issued a‌ warning, stating that recent manual ‌installations of Windows 11 using USB ‍installers from ⁣October or ⁣November patches might ⁢be affected.​ This bug primarily‌ impacts businesses. A temporary solution requires a full system rebuild, ⁣while Microsoft ⁣diligently works ⁤on a ​permanent fix.

Exciting developments are⁤ brewing in the handheld gaming space. Lenovo is hosting a dedicated event at CES next week, ​focusing on “the future of ⁣gaming handhelds.” The event will feature both Valve and​ Jason ⁣Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of next generation.

“It looks like Microsoft and Valve ⁣might be about to go ⁢head to head​ over the future of handheld gaming ⁣— ⁢somthing I⁢ wrote about in a previous Notepad issue.”

Ronald’s presence at this‍ event is particularly noteworthy, considering his previous role as ⁣vice president of Xbox gaming devices and ecosystem. While Ronald has been deeply involved in Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox plans, it’s intriguing that Microsoft chose ⁢this⁤ particular event to publicly ‌acknowledge his ‍new title. More ​information about this enigmatic Lenovo event is sure to surface in next week’s Notepad.

Microsoft News Roundup: Live Translation, OpenAI⁢ Partnership Shakeup, and More

Microsoft has ⁤been making waves‍ with a series of announcements and updates. ‌From​ expanding AI features⁣ to navigating a complex partnership‍ with OpenAI, the tech giant continues to push boundaries.

Live ⁢Translation ⁢Arrives on More‌ Windows ⁣PCs

Microsoft is expanding its live translation feature beyond Qualcomm-powered Copilot Plus PCs. In a recent preview for Windows Insiders in‌ the Dev Channel, the company announced that the feature is ⁣now available on AMD⁢ and Intel-powered Copilot Plus devices as well. This⁣ move ⁣brings advanced AI translation capabilities to a wider range of Windows users.

OpenAI Partnership Hits a Snag Over ‍AGI Definition

The multi-billion dollar​ partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI may be ⁣facing a significant hurdle. According to a ⁤report from ⁣*The Information*, disputes over⁤ the definition of artificial general intelligence (AGI) could complicate the agreement. The deal stipulates⁢ a $100 ⁤billion payout to OpenAI upon achieving AGI,but defining when that milestone⁤ is met is proving​ to be a challenge. This disagreement comes at a time when OpenAI is reportedly⁤ struggling with profitability,adding⁣ another layer ‌of⁣ complexity to the⁢ situation. Adding fuel⁣ to the fire, Microsoft reportedly ⁤believes‌ that key components necessary for​ achieving AGI are still missing. This suggests the debate surrounding the timeline for ⁤AGI’s arrival is far from settled. ⁤ MD

Skype Embraces subscription Model, Retiring ⁢Credits and Phone‍ Numbers

In a move signaling‍ a shift in strategy, Microsoft has discontinued the ⁣sale of Skype credits and phone ⁤numbers. ⁢Moving⁢ forward, ‌users will ⁤need a subscription‌ to ⁤access⁤ these features.‌ This‍ decision ‍comes as ‌Skype‍ faces stiff competition​ from popular⁤ messaging‍ and ​VoIP‌ platforms ⁣like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Zoom.

Phone Link Encounters Issues with​ Android 15 ⁤sensitive Notifications

Microsoft’s Phone Link feature ‍for Windows is experiencing compatibility⁢ problems with Android 15’s ​enhanced notification security.⁣ The ⁣new operating system classifies notifications like two-factor authentication (2FA) codes as sensitive, and this categorization is ⁢creating issues for Phone Link. As a workaround, users can ‌disable enhanced notifications​ in Android ‍15, but Windows should‌ still display sensitive notifications on devices were Phone Link was pre-installed.

Xbox ⁤Sebile Controller Still in the‍ Works

Despite ⁢initial release plans for⁤ 2024,the highly ‍anticipated Xbox ⁣Sebile controller is still on track.This new gamepad, codenamed Sebile and unveiled ​during the *FTC v. Microsoft* case in 2023, promises exciting features for‌ xbox gamers.The specific launch date⁤ remains under wraps, but it’s ​clear that Microsoft is‌ committed to bringing this innovative controller to market.

Microsoft’s Latest Tech Moves: Copilot Expansion,Xbox Controller Rumors,and More

Microsoft has⁣ been busy expanding its AI offerings and making waves in the gaming world. Recent reports suggest ⁣a next-generation Xbox controller codenamed “Sebile” could be heading our way, ⁣while GitHub ⁢offers a free‍ tier of its Copilot coding assistant. Microsoft is also ⁢reportedly exploring⁣ ways to‍ diversify its ⁣AI ecosystem by incorporating models from other companies into its Copilot​ products.

A New Xbox Controller on ‍the Horizon?

Rumors about Microsoft’s next-gen ‌Xbox controller,⁢ tentatively called⁤ “Sebile,”‌ have‌ surfaced. A recently⁤ discovered patent sheds light on its intriguing features. Sebile appears‌ to boast haptic motors strategically placed throughout the controller for ⁤an immersive tactile experience. ⁢Furthermore, it will likely ⁢offer direct Wi-Fi connectivity⁤ to Xbox ‍Cloud Gaming, mirroring the functionality of Google’s Stadia controller.

GitHub Copilot Goes Free

GitHub,‍ owned by Microsoft, ‌was a pioneer in AI-powered coding assistance with⁤ the launch of its ‌Copilot product in 2021. ⁢Now, developers have access to ⁢a free version⁤ of​ GitHub Copilot in VS Code. This free tier includes 2,000 code completions and ‍50 chat messages per month. It caters to the vast community of 150 million developers ⁤using GitHub. The free version also offers a choice between Anthropic’s‌ Claude 3.5 Sonnet or OpenAI’s GPT-4o‍ model,allowing⁢ developers to ask coding questions,get explanations for ‍code,and even have the AI pinpoint bugs.

Microsoft⁣ 365 Copilot to Embrace ⁣More AI​ Models

Microsoft is ‌reportedly planning to diversify its AI ecosystem by integrating models from outside⁤ OpenAI into its​ Microsoft 365 Copilot. According ⁢to *Reuters*, Microsoft aims⁤ to ‍reduce costs and lessen⁤ its reliance ‌on OpenAI by ‌exploring other⁣ AI models. this strategic move could potentially involve Microsoft⁤ incorporating its ⁤own AI ⁤models into Copilot.Alternatively, it could follow ⁣ GitHub’s lead by supporting⁢ models from companies like Anthropic and Google. ​ Many‍ users have⁢ expressed a‌ desire for Microsoft⁢ to diversify ‌its AI partner ‌ecosystem. Have a tip⁢ about a hush-hush Microsoft project? While the tech ‌giant is known for keeping things close‍ to the vest, there are⁤ ways to reach out if you have⁤ inside information. Want ⁢to‌ share​ what you know confidentially? You ​can connect with a journalist through secure channels. Tom Warren,a tech reporter,encourages sources to reach out via email at [email protected]. For‍ even more privacy, Warren can be reached on the Signal messaging ‌app at tomwarren.01. If Telegram is your preferred⁤ platform, ‍find him there as “tomwarren”.
I’ll help you organize this⁢ Microsoft-focused text for better readability ⁣and structure!



Here’s a ⁣reorganized and improved version:



**Microsoft’s Copilot ⁤Ambitions: far Beyond PCs**



A new wave ⁣of Microsoft rumors suggests copilot, their AI assistant, is⁢ set to expand beyond PCs, smartphones, and tablets. Sources close⁤ to the ⁣company reveal a​ strong desire to bring‌ Copilot to a wider‍ range ⁤of devices.



* **Dedicated‌ AI⁣ Hardware:** Microsoft hints at this strategy through plans for⁤ specialized AI hardware.



* ⁣**Wearables and‍ More:** Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s EVP and Consumer CMO, ‌envisions Copilot ⁢integrated into wearable devices, leveraging their cameras and‌ sensors for

image recognition and real-time contextual information.

* ‌**2025 Push:** While specifics remain unclear, 2025 is ​shaping up as a⁣ crucial year for Copilot’s integration into⁤ our daily lives.



**Windows on Arm: A Year of Progress, But With a Snag**



* **Success in 2024:** Windows on Arm has enjoyed meaningful advancements ‌in performance, compatibility, and battery⁣ life thanks to Copilot ⁣plus PCs.

* **Bug Threatens Security:** A Windows 11 bug prevents some users from installing crucial security ⁤updates, primarily affecting businesses. ​A system rebuild is the temporary solution while Microsoft works on⁣ a permanent fix.



**Handheld Gaming Heats Up: Lenovo Event Sparks Speculation**



* **Lenovo’s CES ⁣Event:** Lenovo is hosting a CES event focused⁤ on ⁢”the future of gaming handhelds” featuring ⁣both Valve and Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of Next Generation. Ronald’s ⁣involvement, given his previous work on Xbox devices, is particularly⁣ noteworthy.



* **Microsoft vs. Valve?:** This event could perhaps showcase a clash between Microsoft and Valve’s ​handheld gaming visions.



**Microsoft News Roundup: Translation, ⁤OpenAI Partnership in Flux,‍ and More**





* **Live Translation​ Expansion:** Live translation ⁣on Windows PCs‌ is expanding beyond Qualcomm-powered Copilot Plus ‍PCs to AMD and Intel-powered devices.

* **OpenAI Partnership Stumbles:**⁤ Disagreements over the ⁢definition of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and OpenAI’s financial struggles are putting strain on their multi-billion dollar partnership.

* **Skype Subscriptions:** ​Skype is​ phasing out the sale of credits and phone numbers, moving to a‍ subscription-based model.

* **Phone Link ‍Issues:** Android ⁣15’s new notification security settings are⁣ causing compatibility problems for microsoft’s Phone Link⁣ feature.





* **Xbox Sebile‌ Controller:** Despite initial 2024 launch plans,the innovative Sebile Xbox controller,codenamed Sebile,is ‌still‌ on track.



Let me know if you have any specific areas ⁢or themes you’d like me to expand on!

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