Microsoft’s latest Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models have been launched without Intel processors, opting instead for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite chips. This move marks the first time Microsoft has released consumer Surface products without an Intel option, raising questions about Intel’s future in the computing industry.
The decision to exclude Intel from the main Surface lineup may be attributed to Qualcomm’s advancement in processing power, particularly in relation to Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC program. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips, with their Hexagon neural processing units (NPUs), boast 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS), surpassing the capabilities of Intel’s current Core Ultra chips. The Copilot+ PCs require at least 40 TOPS on the NPU to handle local Copilot queries, a function that Intel’s processors currently cannot support.
Microsoft’s collaboration with Qualcomm in the Copilot+ PC program reflects a strategic move to leverage Qualcomm’s superior processing power and emulation technology. Microsoft’s efforts to improve Windows emulation for Arm-based systems, known as Prism, have enabled smoother operation of x86 and x64 applications on Arm processors. Qualcomm’s longstanding presence in Microsoft’s Surface lineup, combined with the development of the latest Snapdragon X chips, solidify its position as a primary chip supplier for the newest Surface products.
While Intel plans to respond with its Lunar Lake Core Ultra processors, boasting potential TOPS figures surpassing Qualcomm’s offerings, the timing of Intel’s release may hinder its ability to compete directly with Qualcomm in the current market. Microsoft’s commitment to Qualcomm’s chips for the Copilot+ PCs suggests a strategic partnership that may continue to evolve as Intel prepares to launch its next generation of processors.
Overall, Microsoft’s decision to collaborate with Qualcomm and prioritize Snapdragon chips in its latest Surface products underscores the shifting landscape of processor technologies in the computing industry. As Intel gears up to introduce Lunar Lake processors, the competition between Intel and Qualcomm will likely intensify, shaping the future of computing devices and performance capabilities.
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https://uk.pcmag.com/laptops/152425/why-are-intel-processors-awol-in-microsofts-new-surfaces
