Microsoft recently unveiled its new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models, but what caught the attention of many was the absence of Intel processors in these devices. Instead, Microsoft opted for Qualcomm processors, specifically the Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite. This move marks the first time that consumer Surface products have been launched without an Intel option, with Intel processors still present in the “Surface for Business” models released earlier in the year.
The decision to exclude Intel processors from the main Surface lineup is attributed to Qualcomm’s superior performance in the Copilot+ PC program. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips, boasting 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS) and advanced neural processing units (NPUs), outshine Intel’s Core Ultra “Meteor Lake” Chips, which currently produce up to 34 TOPS. This discrepancy in processing power is crucial for handling Microsoft’s Copilot AI Assistant, a key feature in the Copilot+ PCs.
The success of Qualcomm in the Copilot+ PC program can be attributed to Microsoft’s active role in improving Windows emulation for Arm-based systems. Through efforts like the Prism emulator and updates to the Windows 11 kernel and compiler, Microsoft has made significant strides in enabling x86 and x64 applications to run efficiently on Arm systems. This collaboration has paved the way for Qualcomm to be the exclusive processor in Microsoft’s latest Surface products.
While Intel has plans to retaliate with the launch of Lunar Lake processors capable of exceeding Qualcomm’s TOPS figures, these powerful Core Ultra chips are not expected until the third quarter of the year. It remains to be seen if Microsoft will introduce Intel-based Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models in the future to compete with Qualcomm’s offerings.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s shift towards Qualcomm processors in its latest Surface products signifies a significant departure from its previous reliance on Intel processors. This move highlights the growing competition in the processor market and the importance of performance and efficiency in meeting the demands of advanced technologies like AI assistants. As the computing industry evolves, it will be interesting to see how Intel and Qualcomm continue to innovate and compete in providing cutting-edge solutions for consumers.
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https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/why-are-intel-processors-awol-in-microsofts-new-surfaces