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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Discussion (5 replies)
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That's... Just .. idiotic.
So wait, only intel core ultra based systems will be AI pc's according to MS? This is a head scratcher.
That's fine. I don't want an "AI PC" anyway.
There is about a snowballs chance in hell of me ever buying (or even using) a keyboard with a "copilot" button on it.
I have a feeling that whether I want it or not, I'll have various "AI Accelerators" forced on me at some point, as it will become increasingly more difficult to buy hardware without it, and it will likely be integrated into CPU/GPU products, but will I use it? No.
Microsoft will likely continue to try to force this shit on us by further integrating it into every aspect of the OS, and as a result my conviction to use Open Source operating systems will only grow.
I liken it to how I have disabled just about everything on my Pixel 7 Pro that uses AI/Assistant. The AI capabilities of the chip are essentially just dead weight at this point.
To date I have never used an AI language model, and I intend to keep it that way. The "Co-Pilot Preview" icon showed up on my Windows 11 work machine. I quickly disabled it without ever clicking on it.
Not even once.
Probably related to Microsoft and Intel's strategic partnership surrounding their new "Core Ultra" CPU's they were talking about last summer.