An AI PC isn’t an AI PC unless it comes with not only Copilot, Microsoft’s “everyday AI companion,” but also a Copilot key that allows users to quickly access what the Windows and Xbox maker has described as a productivity-boosting technology, according to a new slide from Intel that lists what is apparently Microsoft’s requirements for an AI PC. This would suggest that some laptops that have already shipped with Intel’s new Core Ultra chips, like ASUS’ new ROG Zephyrus, technically aren’t AI PCs—or, at least, in the eyes of Microsoft.
The relevant slide:
Todd Lewellen, head of the PC ecosystem at Intel, explained:
- “Our joint aligned definition, Intel and Microsoft, we’ve aligned on Core Ultra, Copilot, and Copilot key.”
- “From an Intel perspective our AI PC has Core Ultra and it has an integrated NPU because it is unlocking all kinds of new capabilities and functions in the AI space.”
- “We have great alignment with Microsoft, but there are going to be some systems out there that may not have the physical key on it but it does have our integrated NPU.”
The Verge noted:
It’s still not clear what OEMs will get in return for adhering to Microsoft’s own AI PC definition, though. I reached out to Microsoft to comment on its requirements, but the company isn’t discussing its AI PC plans yet.
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