Microsoft is gearing up for an event on September 21 in New York City, where they are expected to make exciting announcements in the realm of AI software advances and third-party plug-ins. Rumors have been circulating about the reveal of new Surface hardware products, including the Surface Laptop Studio 2, Surface Laptop Go 3, and Surface Go 4, with potential CPU and GPU refreshes.
According to Windows Central, who have unnamed sources, Microsoft’s event will showcase advancements in AI-related software. One of the highlights could be the added support for third-party plug-ins for Windows Copilot, their generative AI assistant currently being tested by Windows Insiders. This opens up opportunities for developers to create plug-ins, and potential demos from well-known companies like Mem, Adobe, and Spotify are expected.
As mentioned, Microsoft had already announced that third-party plug-ins were coming to Bing Chat, and it seems logical to expand the same support to Windows Copilot. Though support has been limited thus far, there are reports that it has been flighted to some users. This event could shed light on the broader availability and functionality of the feature.
Another interesting topic that may be discussed at the event is Microsoft 365 Copilot, a productivity service that has been in testing by businesses for a few months. Consumers are eager to know when they can expect access to this service, and it’s entirely possible that Microsoft will reveal a timetable during the event.
The use of neural processing units (NPUs) in PCs to enhance performance in handling AI tasks might also take center stage at the event. Microsoft could demonstrate how NPUs can assist in boosting overall performance. Additionally, Microsoft may showcase new AI features for Windows 11 apps like Paint or Photos, further highlighting the ways in which AI technology can enhance user experiences.
Notably, the report indicates that certain topics will likely not be discussed at the event. This includes specific mentions of Windows 12 or any reveal of the Surface Pro 10 or Surface Laptop 6. While fans may have been looking forward to news on these fronts, it’s best to manage expectations and focus on the AI-related updates that Microsoft is expected to emphasize.
As with any unconfirmed reports, it’s important to take them with a grain of salt. Microsoft has been known to make last-minute changes to their press events, so there may still be surprises in store for attendees and viewers. Ultimately, it will be interesting to see how Microsoft intends to push the boundaries of AI software advancements and provide additional support by collaborating with third-party plug-ins.
