Microsoft Surface event: the 6 biggest announcements

Microsoft just wrapped up its special event ahead of Build 2024 and had a lot of exciting news to share. Along with updates to its Surface lineup, Microsoft made some major announcements related to AI and a new era of PCs in partnership with Lenovo, Asus, Dell and others.

Microsoft didn’t live stream this event, so if you want to catch up on everything that was revealed, check out our summary below.

The launch of Copilot Plus PCs

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has revealed how Microsoft is “bringing the wave of AI to PCs,” and it involves a new category of computers called Copilot Plus. These devices come with Qualcomm’s Arm-based Snapdragon X Elite and Plus processors and will later feature Intel and AMD chips.

The chips feature neural processing units (NPUs) designed to power new AI features in Windows 11. As a result, Microsoft claims Copilot Plus PCs are 58% faster than the M3 MacBook Air. In addition to Microsoft’s new Surface devices , Lenovo, Dell, Acer, Asus and HP are launching Copilot Plus devices designed to support new AI capabilities.

A new Recall feature keeps track of everything you do on your PC

One of the key AI features available on Copilot Plus PCs is Recall. The new tool runs locally on your device and records everything you do on your computer, allowing you to search and retrieve the content you interacted with. This makes it possible to discover a conversation you had on apps like Discord, or even a specific PowerPoint slide you were working on.

Microsoft is bringing Copilot to more areas of Windows 11. The AI ​​assistant will be able to provide suggestions in the Settings menu, edit files in File Explorer, or write responses to notifications you receive.

Copilot is also getting OpenAI’s new GPT-4o model, allowing AI to answer questions based on what you see on the screen.

Surface Pro gets a speed boost and an OLED display option

Microsoft’s new Surface Pro – no model number – swaps the latest generation Intel Core Ultra processor for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and Plus chips. It’s up to 90% faster than the previous Surface Pro and comes with the option of an OLED panel for the first time.

The 13-inch Surface Pro starts at $999.99 and is available in four colors, including blue, beige, black and platinum. It’s compatible with a new Surface Pro Flex keyboard that works when connected or disconnected from the device.

A Surface Laptop that is “faster than a MacBook Air”

Microsoft also announced the new Surface Laptop, which also offers AI-ready Snapdragon X Elite and Plus chips. The device features an updated design with thinner bezels and a tactile touchpad. Microsoft claims the device is 80% faster than the previous generation and offers up to 22 hours of local video playback.

The Surface Laptop 6 comes in 13.8-inch and 15-inch screen options, starting at $999.99. It also comes in blue, beige, black, and platinum.

Microsoft is partnering with companies like Adobe to optimize its Copilot Plus PC apps. Native Arm64 versions of Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Firefly and Express will be available today on Copilot Plus PCs, while Illustrator and Premiere Pro will be available this summer. Copilot Plus PCs will also benefit from the AI ​​capabilities of DaVinci Resolve, CapCut, Cephable, LiquidText and Djay Pro.