On Monday, Microsoft Corp.’s shares soared following the launch of ‘Copilot+’ PCs with built-in artificial intelligence (AI) features.
The stock of the Redmond, Washington-based company edged 1.22% higher to $425.34 per share on May 20, snapping a two-day losing streak. It also posted a 0.20% after-hours gain, with market analysts anticipating a 0.33% increase to $426.74 apiece in the coming trading day.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella led the event held at the firm’s headquarters, riding the momentum of a 7.90% month-to-date surge. Built for generative AI (GenAI) workloads, the new computers can support large language model (LLM) training without relying on cloud data centers.
Copilot+ PCs will come with the firm’s latest GenAI features, including the latest version of their virtual voice assistant. For instance, they showed Copilot AI providing real-time voice coaching to a person playing the Minecraft video game.
Additionally, the new laptops will have a ‘Recall’ feature, allowing users to find files on their computers quickly. The AI feature enables sifting through local files and web browser history with one search query.
Nadella said the new computers will sell for $1,000.00, and they plan to release more powerful versions soon. He added that selected distributors, including Dell Technologies, ASUSTeK Computer Inc., and Acer Inc., would begin selling the AI-powered PCs.
Copilot+ PCs Lead Next-Gen Microsoft Products
In addition to Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft unveiled its new Surface Pro tablet and Surface Laptop with Qualcomm Inc.’s ARM-based chips.
The company demonstrated through a live demo that Adobe Photoshop could run faster on Surface devices than on a MacBook.
The firm also introduced Prism, a technology that can modify software designed for Intel Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Inc. chips to enable operation on ARM processors. According to tech specialists, Prism can accelerate the switch to ARM architecture, which is more efficient for GenAI systems.
Copilot+ PCs continue Microsoft’s strategy of developing AI computers that rely on high-end central processing units (CPUs) instead of advanced graphic processing units (GPUs).
