Microsoft Copilot+ Expands to Intel and AMD Devices on Windows 11

In a significant shift for Windows 11 users, Microsoft has officially unveiled that its Copilot+ feature is now available on Intel and AMD-powered devices, leaving the exclusive confines of Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series behind. This rollout marks a leap in functionality and accessibility for users who rely on the power of their Intel Core Ultra Series 2 and AMD Ryzen AI 300 HX processors.

The End of Snapdragon Exclusivity​

For the past few months, Copilot+ functionalities were locked away, only accessible to users equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon technology. However, with the latest beta release of Windows 11, these advanced features are now open to a wider audience. This transition is thrilling—particularly for those who have been eagerly awaiting the integration on traditional PC architectures.
The new build rolling out in the Dev channel has been packed with improvements and innovations that could reshape your PC experience. But let’s dive into the specifics.

What is Copilot+?​

Copilot+ is Microsoft’s AI-driven assistant designed to enhance productivity by integrating intelligent capabilities right into your Windows operating system. It's part of the broader trend of adding AI functionalities to improve user interaction and efficiency in complex computing tasks.

Key Features Now Available:​

1. Recall: This functionality allows you to revisit previous activities with a simple search. It's as if you have a digital assistant that remembers everything you've done, letting you sift through past actions using natural language queries.
2. Windows Studio Effects: Enhanced visual features, including advanced filters and improved eye-contact functionality, help in virtual meetings, making interactions more natural.
3. Cocreator in Paint: A feature that transforms your rough doodles into polished pieces of art using AI, making creative tasks accessible even if you're not a professional designer.
4. Image Creator and Restyle Image in Photos: These tools let you generate new images or refresh existing ones based on simple inputs, harnessing the power of local device processing.
5. Click To Do: This feature allows users to perform tasks seamlessly across the operating system. Enhanced capabilities now enable launching reminders and notes from various points in Windows, providing a whirlwind of efficient task management.

New Updates and Enhanced User Experience​

With the latest update, you can not only access Click To Do from anywhere on your PC but also utilize advanced text actions like summarizing and rewriting snippets of text. Although these text functionalities are presently exclusive to Snapdragon PCs, they are slated for upcoming releases for Intel and AMD users.
In addition, this latest build (26120.2510) also comes with improved design elements for Windows Hello, providing a refreshed aesthetic while boosting usability.

Compatibility Matters​

It's noteworthy that to utilize these new features, you must have relatively modern hardware. Specifically, devices launched before July 2024, which lack a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with at least 40 TOPS of performance, will not be compatible. This requirement reflects the increasing importance of specialized hardware in executing advanced AI workloads efficiently.

Missing in Action?​

Despite the plethora of new features, some that were anticipated like live captions with real-time translations and Super Resolution enhancements for Photos were notably absent from the official announcement. It's an open question whether these features are simply being held back for later release or were overlooked entirely in the excitement of the broader rollout.

Implications for Windows 11 Users​

The availability of Copilot+ on Intel and AMD platforms not only democratizes access to cutting-edge features but also provokes thought about the future of computing. As more users harness these AI capabilities, we may see a significant shift in productivity tools, potentially altering the landscape of how tasks are accomplished on a day-to-day basis.

Embrace the Future​

For those eager to experience the evolution of Windows 11, participation in the Windows Insider Program is key. If you're enrolled, expect to see these updates roll out automatically soon. The benefits of Copilot+ are too great to ignore, and this is just the beginning of what could be a thrilling evolution in operating systems powered by AI.

Final Thoughts​

Microsoft's push into AI with Copilot+ signifies not only a technological advancement but also a strategic move to enhance user experience across diverse hardware. The era of exclusive features is coming to an end, making way for a more inclusive and powerful Windows ecosystem for all.
Stay tuned as developments unfold, and keep your Windows 11 system updated to catch the latest changes! Your future productivity just might depend on it.

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Source: XDA Copilot+ is finally coming to Intel and AMD Windows 11 PCs as Snapdragon exclusivity ends