This year everything is “AI,” whatever that means. Every new computer, game, software service, and soft-serve ice cream machine is apparently imbued with digital sentience, at least according to its branding. But when it comes to laptops and desktops, Microsoft has a very specific definition of “AI PC.” Surprise…it’s mostly branding.
According to a presentation from Intel on Tuesday, which weirdly debuted Microsoft’s “requirements for an AI PC,” vendors will need three specific components if they want to advertise their new machines as such. One, “NPU, CPU, and GPU powered silicon.” Since that presumably includes integrated GPUs like Intel’s Xe systems, the NPU (neural processing unit) is the new hotness in question.
What exactly is an NPU? That’s a bit nebulous at the moment. An NPU is a distinct (if not necessarily discrete) processor designed for specific tasks, very much like a GPU for visuals, but it’s for “AI.” Another term for an NPU is “AI accelerator.” But again, exactly what it does isn’t exactly clear. For the live demos I’ve seen, the most interesting thing it’s doing is blurring the background in video calls somewhat more efficiently than existing chips.
Microsoft also demands that an AI PC include its Copilot assistant…which is built into Windows 11. So, that’s basically a given. And also that there be a dedicated Copilot button on the keyboard, generally replacing the right-side Windows or Ctrl key. In some pre-CES demos I saw last year showing off near-final laptop designs, this was accomplished with a sticker on said key.
Finalized designs probably use more standard printing. You can see the new Copilot button on the keyboard for the latest Surface designs. PCWorld’s Mark Hachman compares it to the Cortana button formerly seen on Microsoft’s Siri-style voice command tool, which is now dead as a doornail.
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