Microsoft launches its first AI PCs with emphasis on easy repairs

Rajesh Regmi — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 05:32:55 +0000

Microsoft has taken the wraps off its latest Surface devices – the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6. While visually reminiscent of their predecessor, these are the company’s first PCs to feature Intel Meteor Lake processors with integrated NPUs for on-device AI features.

The new Surface devices are also the first from Microsoft to feature a dedicated Copilot key on the keyboard. And in case the name didn’t say it, Microsoft is targeting these devices primarily for business use, rather than for everyday consumers. Hence, with all the AI upgrades, Microsoft is calling them “the first Surface AI PCs built exclusively for business.”

Microsoft Surface Pro 10 for Business

The biggest upgrade on the Surface Pro 10 internally is the new Intel Core Ultra chipsets — you can choose between Intel Core Ultra 5 135U or Ultra 7 165U options.

They come with a range of LPDDR5X RAM configurations, with the base being 8GB, while the highest-tier variant goes up to 64 GB. Storage options are equally generous, ranging from 256GB to 1TB with detachable Gen4 SSDs for flexibility.

Surface Pro 10 has a familiar design, but upgrades lies inside.

There’s not a size increase in terms of display. You still get a 13-inch IPS touchscreen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, but it now has a new anti-reflective coating and 33 percent more brightness.

The Surface Pro 10 also has a lightweight design at just 1.94 lbs while it is also Microsoft’s first Intel-powered Surface tablet with optional support for a 5G radio.

Additionally, the tablet’s 1440p front-facing camera now offers a 114-degree field-of-view and supports Windows Studio Effects, including enhanced background blur during video calls, eye contact correction, and auto-framing.

The Surface Pro 10 for Business will be available for pre-order starting today, April (check current year), at a base price of $1,199.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 For Business

The Surface Laptop 6 shares the same Intel processor options as the Pro 10 and continues to offer both 13.5-inch and 15-inch IPS display choices.

Memory configurations include up to 64GB of RAM and 1TB SSDs, with pricing ranging from $1,199 up to $2,999. The NPU brings Intel AI Boost to the Laptop 6, making it a strong contender for AI-related workloads.

The Surface Laptop 6 mostly has the same upgrades as for Surface Pro 10.

The 15-inch model adds an extra USB-C port and a smart card reader. Additionally, the webcam gets a much-needed upgrade in this model, from 720p to 1080p. And like the Pro 10, it also benefits from AI-powered Windows Studio Effects for enhanced video and audio calls.

Beyond these improvements, perhaps the most notable upgrade in both new Surface products is their enhanced repairability. Users can now easily replace components such as the SSD, battery, and even the motherboard, thanks to QR codes on the parts that link to clear, guided tutorials.

Microsoft could launch Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 on March 21: Report

Rajesh Regmi — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 08:23:48 +0000

Microsoft‘s upcoming Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 are getting a big upgrade in their displays and are set to launch this month. The information comes from a report by Windows Central, which revealed that both devices will switch to OLED panels and could possibly launch on March 21st.

Microsoft’s upcoming Surface devices will have OLED display

OLED screens are becoming more pervasive in the premium laptop market as they deliver deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and superior contrast. Microsoft is among the few manufacturers that have not yet adopted OLED technology for its laptops.

However, that seems to be changing with the upcoming Surface laptops. And thanks to the introduction of OLED panels, both new Surface models are also expected to support HDR content.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9.

Additionally, the report says both the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 will reportedly be available in both Intel- and Qualcomm-powered versions.

The Intel models are likely to feature the newest Intel Core Ultra processors, with an emphasis on AI capabilities, launching in April. Meanwhile, the Arm-based versions will likely utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip, with an expected release window in June.

Visually, the Surface Pro 10 is said to largely retain the design of the Surface Pro 9, with some notable additions. This includes an upgraded wide-angle webcam featuring Studio Effects and an integrated NFX reader.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 5.

The Surface Laptop 6 is rumored to receive a more substantial redesign with smaller display bezels and rounded corners, taking inspiration from the existing Surface Laptop Studio line.

It’s also expected to feature a new haptic touchpad and expanded port selection, including two USB-C connections, a USB Type-A port, Surface Connect, and a dedicated Copilot key integrated into the keyboard.

Windows “AI Explorer”

Besides the upgrades coming to Surface laptops, the report also mentions a new feature coming with the 2024 Windows 11 update called “AI Explorer.”

It’s said to be an enhanced version of Copilot and will create a timeline of user activity on the computer. AI Explorer’s goal is to make every computer interaction searchable using natural language. It’s intended to understand even vague requests and could prove to be a valuable tool for users.

AI Explorer will also offer contextual assistance. For instance, when viewing an image, it may suggest an option to edit that photo. Users could then issue simple commands for specific edits, such as removing a background.

Upcoming devices like the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 will likely be the first ones to take benefit of this feature.

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