Microsoft reportedly wants OEM AI computers to have co-pilot keys

Microsoft has a stricter definition of what constitutes an artificial intelligence (AI) PC than Intel, according to a report. An Intel executive revealed that for Windows manufacturers, AI PCs require powerful processors such as Intel Core Ultra for AI capabilities, software-based Copilot functionality, and dedicated Copilot keys on the keyboard. The last requirement is considered an odd one, as it disqualifies PCs with dedicated AI processors, GPUs, and dedicated neural processing units (NPUs), but not Copilot keys in the AI ​​PC category.

Todd Lewellen, head of PC ecosystem at Intel spoke The Verge elaborated on the matter in a press release. He said: “The joint definition of Intel and Microsoft is consistent, we are consistent on Core Ultra, Copilot and Copilot key. From an Intel perspective, our AI PC has Core Ultra and has an integrated NPU because it is unlocking All kinds of new capabilities and capabilities in the AI ​​space. We have a great collaboration with Microsoft, but some systems may not have a physical key, but it does have our integrated NPU.”

The divergence of opinion between Microsoft and OEM manufacturers could lead to a sticky situation, as the Windows maker is one of the biggest players in artificial intelligence and has control of the operating system, and it could be one of the decisive voices in it. . PC may or may not get on-device AI capabilities developed for it.

A simple solution for OEMs would be to simply include the Copilot key, as most Windows-powered PCs already have dedicated Windows keys. However, this will exclude some intermediate devices that are already powered on and have the required hardware capabilities but do not have a Copilot key.

For example, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 equipped with Intel Core Ultra processor and AI Boost NPU on the market will not be regarded as an AI PC in the eyes of Microsoft.However, according to the newsroom postal Intel says that the AI ​​PC “has a CPU, a GPU, and an NPU, each with specific AI acceleration capabilities,” and as Lewellen said, it meets all the requirements for an AI PC. What will become of these PCs is unknown. Notably, Microsoft recently launched the enterprise-focused Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6, which the tech giant calls the company’s first AI-powered PCs, and they come with Intel Core Ultra and a dedicated co-pilot key.