Microsoft has unveiled its latest lineup of Surface computers and shared details about the upcoming release of Windows 11 during an event in New York. The company introduced the Surface Laptop Studio 2 and the Surface Laptop Go 3, along with the enterprise availability of Microsoft 365 Copilot, its AI assistant for core productivity apps such as Word and Excel.
The event began with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella discussing the impact of the company’s Copilot AI tools on consumers and enterprises. He expressed excitement about the software innovation and the journey Microsoft is embarking on. Nadella also noted that rivals like Atlassian, Google, and Salesforce have been incorporating generative AI into their products as well.
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 starts at $1,999, while the Surface Laptop Go 3 starts at $799. Both devices will come pre-loaded with Microsoft’s revamped Windows 11 operating system, which includes the Copilot software. The new Surface models will be available for pre-order immediately and will be shipped on October 3.
During the event, Microsoft announced that the next major update to Windows 11 will begin rolling out on September 26. This update will introduce Copilot to the Bing search engine and the Edge web browser. Users will be able to summon Copilot by holding down the Windows key and pressing the C key. The addition of Copilot to the operating system aims to make AI more accessible to a wider range of users.
In addition to the hardware and software updates, Microsoft is also incorporating generative AI into its advertising tool. The company plans to introduce a Copilot for the Microsoft Advertising Platform that can answer marketers’ questions through a chat interface and automate the process of creating ads.
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 offers a 13th-generation Intel Core chip, various Nvidia graphics processing units, up to 64GB of RAM, and improved battery life compared to its predecessor. The device can be used as a traditional laptop or laid flat to utilize it as a tablet. The Surface Laptop Go 3, on the other hand, features a 12.4-inch touch screen display, a 12th-generation Intel processor, and increased RAM and storage capacity.
Microsoft also announced the Surface Go 4, a miniature version of its Surface Pro tablet exclusively available for organizations. The Surface Go 4 can be docked, used as a laptop, or used as a tablet with its touch screen. It is powered by an Intel N200 processor and offers a longer battery life than its predecessor.
In terms of its large touchscreen device, the Surface Hub, Microsoft unveiled an 85-inch model and a smaller 50-inch option. These devices provide organizations with an easy way to join Teams video calls, offering improved performance and functionality.
Lastly, Microsoft announced that Microsoft 365 Copilot will be available for large organizations starting November 1. The tool will provide meeting summaries and assist with task management, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
Overall, Microsoft’s latest announcements showcase the company’s dedication to integrating AI and improving its hardware and software offerings.
