At the media event held by Microsoft in New York City, the tech giant unveiled two new laptops from its Surface line and showcased a range of AI-powered enhancements that will be available on Windows 11 later this month. Although the event was not livestreamed, attendees were able to witness the announcements, watch demos, and even try out the new devices. The new Surface hardware is currently available for pre-order on Microsoft’s official website and will officially hit the shelves on October 3.
One of the notable enhancements showcased at the event was Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant that was initially announced earlier this year. Copilot has been seamlessly integrated into Windows 11, allowing users to access it from virtually any part of the operating system, even when using the Edge browser. Its main purpose is to make everyday tasks more efficient and manageable. For instance, when composing a lengthy email, users can copy and paste text into the email, and Copilot will neatly organize the information, making it easier to digest. Additionally, if users capture a screenshot, Copilot will automatically recognize the action and provide analysis options for the image.
Copilot proves to be a versatile assistant that can aid users in various search and productivity-related tasks. Users can rely on Copilot to find flight information for upcoming trips, generate context-based text messages, and assist in other tasks related to search and productivity. It can be accessed through the Windows desktop as a standalone app, as well as within Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Edge. The new feature will be introduced as part of the upcoming Windows 11 update, scheduled for release on September 26.
Another interesting addition to Copilot is its integration with the Bing Shopping tab. This means that users can now use Copilot to interact with the assistant and receive guidance during their online shopping experience. Users can ask Copilot to help them find specific products, and it will provide recommendations, including reviews and pros and cons. The feature will be available this fall.
Copilot also offers functionalities that cater to business needs. The AI assistant can sift through emails, chats, files, and past meetings to gather important information. It can also summarize unread messages, draft replies to chats and emails, and create events based on user preferences. However, these functionalities will only be available for enterprise customers starting November 1.
In addition to the AI enhancements, Microsoft unveiled the second-generation model of the Surface Laptop Studio, a performance-focused notebook. This new model retains the 14.4-inch touchscreen display with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and the dual-hinge mounting system from its predecessor. The dual-hinge design allows users to adjust the screen at different angles, making it suitable for different usage scenarios. The Laptop Mode offers full access to the keyboard and touchpad, while the Stage Mode allows users to move the display closer for activities like gaming and movie-watching. The Studio Mode, similar to using a tablet, enables users to draw and write on the screen.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s media event in New York City showcased the company’s latest additions to its Surface line of laptops and a host of AI-powered enhancements that will be available on Windows 11. The event highlighted the seamless integration of Copilot as a versatile assistant that enhances productivity and simplifies everyday tasks. The event also introduced the second-generation Surface Laptop Studio, a performance-focused notebook with a flexible dual-hinge design. With these releases, Microsoft is further strengthening its hardware offerings and solidifying its commitment to the AI-powered future of computing.
