Microsoft Set to Launch Mini AI PCs with Copilot Plus Features

Ever since Microsoft first introduced its Arm-based Copilot Plus laptops in June 2023, the anticipation for similar features on desktop PCs has been mounting. Now, six months later, mini PCs that promise the AI performance required for features like Recall, AI-powered image generation, and editing in Windows 11 are set to roll out, potentially enhancing Microsoft's competition with Apple’s latest Mac Mini.

Asus Leads the Charge with Copilot Plus Mini PCs

Asus has emerged as the first PC manufacturer to announce a mini PC equipped with Copilot Plus capabilities, unveiling the full specifications of its upcoming NUC 14 Pro AI last month, just ahead of CES 2024. This exciting new device includes a dedicated Copilot button on the front and matches almost the size of Apple's Mac Mini.

Geekom Enters the Arena

In tandem with Asus, Taiwanese company Geekom has also announced three new mini PCs to be showcased at CES. Among them, one is powered by AMD’s Strix Point CPUs and another by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processor, making them compatible with Copilot Plus. However, the third model depends on Intel’s Arrow Lake-H laptop processors, which may not meet the necessary requirements for Copilot functionality.

Expectations for CES 2024

As CES 2024 approaches, all eyes are on other Windows OEMs to see if they will roll out Copilot Plus-powered mini PCs. Historically, CES has served as a launchpad for Microsoft’s latest initiatives, indicating that additional collaborations to include dedicated Copilot buttons on new devices are likely.

Qualcomm Chips Expanding to New Markets

Geekom's integration of Qualcomm chips hints at the historic shift of Qualcomm's latest technology moving beyond laptops into mini PCs. While a Snapdragon Dev Kit initially set to debut alongside Copilot Plus laptops was canceled, Qualcomm's ambition to expand its chips into new hardware is evident.

Desktops on the Horizon?

The quest for Copilot Plus features on traditional desktop PCs continues. Despite the arrival of Intel’s latest Core Ultra desktop CPU in October 2023, which features an NPU, it does not yet fulfill the requirements for Copilot Plus. The future for desktop-level integration hinges on the release of next-generation desktop CPUs from Intel and AMD.

Copilot Beyond PCs?

While Copilot Plus functions may be limited to Windows PCs for now, there is speculation regarding broader deployment across various devices. Microsoft has hinted at ambitions for dedicated AI hardware and expansion into unexpected arenas, such as wearables that utilize AI capabilities for health tracking and image recognition.

Innovative Prospects for 2025 and Beyond

Staying true to its commitment, Microsoft is poised to push forward its AI ambitions through 2025, aiming to integrate Copilot across multiple screen formats and possibly expanding to new hardware ventures.

Conclusion

The landscape of mini PCs equipped with Copilot Plus features is evolving rapidly, with promising products from Asus and Geekom paving the way. Additionally, the discussions surrounding AI integration into various devices signify a future where Microsoft’s Copilot is a ubiquitous presence across our digital interactions.

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