Microsoft снова пытается объяснить, что такое AI PC – и снова запутывает!

Microsoft claims 2026 will be the big year for AI PCs, touting them as devices that "anticipate your needs" rather than just follow commands. But honestly, trying to wrap my head around their explanation feels like navigating a tech maze! 🤯

Two years ago, I tried explaining AI PCs myself, and believe me, it took a TON of words just to cover the basics of NPUs, TOPS, and what makes an AI PC tick. Even then, folks like Ben Wilson over at Windows Central thought NPU power would become standard, making the "Copilot+ PC" distinction a non-issue. Turns out, we were a little off! 🤔

Now, Microsoft's "beginner's guide" to AI PCs, found on their Windows Learning Center blog, is trying to explain it all over again. The core message is that an AI PC can run AI features locally on the device, not just in the cloud. They say AI is here to "assist you by helping to remove friction," making tasks smoother and faster. Sounds great, right? 👍

But here's where it gets confusing. They mention tools like Recall (remember that privacy controversy? 😅) and Live Captions with Translations, stating these are only available on Copilot+ PCs with a specific 40 TOPS NPU power. Wait, didn't they just say any PC with an NPU is an AI PC? That NPU requirement is already creating a divide, making it hard to say what truly qualifies. 🤷‍♂️

Microsoft does try to clear things up with a section explaining the difference between AI PCs and Copilot+ PCs, which they market as the "highest standard of security" for your sensitive info. They mention ARM-based processors and the minimum specs for Copilot+ tools. However, they stumble a bit by saying Copilot+ support is expanding to Intel Core Ultra 200V and AMD Ryzen AI 300 series chips. Uh, guys, those chips already have Copilot+ support, and AMD and Intel have unveiled their next-gen chips! Come on! 🤦‍♂️

The Surface Pro 11 was Microsoft's first Copilot+ PC. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Honestly, if I were a regular user who stumbled upon this article, I'd be more confused than enlightened. Microsoft's conclusion is to "look for integrated AI architecture and select a device with a dedicated NPU for peak local performance." Yeah, that tells me SO much! 🙄

It's not just Microsoft struggling. Dell admitted consumers don't really care about AI PCs, and Intel said slow adoption is due to a lack of understanding, not hardware issues. It's been two chaotic years since the AI PC "revolution" began, and things are still as murky as ever. Will this trend fade, or will people eventually get it? Hard to say. 🤔

And about that explanation closing with a question asking about your thoughts on explaining AI PCs to non-techy friends and whether Microsoft should do better... I get it! It's tough.

Finally, if you're curious about the latest in Microsoft news, check out the "Latest in Microsoft" section for updates on Xbox leadership changes, Windows development, and more. The "Latest in Features" section also has some interesting reads on Xbox's direction and other tech insights.

But ultimately, the whole situation leaves me thinking:

Microsoft really needs to simplify its message if it wants AI PCs to catch on. Right now, their explanations are more confusing than helpful, and that's a big problem for adoption.

- Евгений (MSReview)