Microsoft is eyeing the wearable market, potentially introducing AI-driven Surface devices focused on personal insights and productivity. In a discussion with tech YouTuber Austin Evans, Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s Executive VP and CMO of Consumer Products, outlined the company’s vision for AI wearables that could “see the world” and interpret real-time information for users.
The strategy blends Microsoft’s AI expertise with Surface’s hardware line, where Mehdi imagines wearables delivering on-the-go awareness and health insights through functions like image recognition and contextual guidance.
Surface Line as a Testing Ground for Microsoft’s AI Ambitions
Microsoft’s Surface series has consistently served as a platform to showcase the company’s hardware and software synergy, embodying the “best expression of what Microsoft has to offer,” as Mehdi describes it. The Surface lineup, known for its two-in-one design, provides a model for other Windows manufacturers to follow, helping set standards for high-quality Windows devices. This approach lets Microsoft introduce new form factors and features within Surface, which partners can then adapt across diverse hardware configurations.
“I do think that, you know, these devices that eventually…see the world, that you wear on your body, on your person…I think that those combined with AI will be very valuable. It can do image recognition, it can tell you, it can talk to you about what’s going on. I think that’s a fascinating place that we’ll go“, Mehdi said.
The vision Mehdi describes for AI-driven wearables aligns with the Surface brand’s role as an innovation hub. In particular, Microsoft’s exploration into wearables extends beyond conventional health tracking to offer devices that integrate contextual awareness through AI, possibly marking a new phase for Surface as a hardware brand. “I’m a big fan of these personal health devices,” Mehdi notes, emphasizing Microsoft’s interest in creating tools that empower users with actionable health insights.
Copilot’s Role in Surface Evolution
Copilot, Microsoft’s advanced AI assistant, represents a central part of the Surface vision. As Mehdi explaines, Copilot’s development was accelerated by the popularity of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, sparking a shift toward AI-driven personal computing. Copilot’s hybrid AI model, combining on-device processing with cloud support, enables seamless functionality across Microsoft’s ecosystem. Early user feedback led Microsoft to streamline Copilot’s interface for a cleaner, more accessible experience, though some users have since requested certain removed features.
“It was a little bit of a lucky find, as you say, because the ChatGPT moment…kicked this whole personal AI wave off. And it worked out, especially, that we now have this beautiful hybrid AI story that’s very unique—on-device and in the cloud.” Medy adds that the CoPilot program, in development for around three to four years, involved “rearchitecting the entire Windows stack” to seamlessly integrate AI capabilities.”
Copilot’s functionality on Surface devices goes beyond traditional digital assistance, allowing users to locate past interactions with features like Recall, which enables the retrieval of specific activities through natural language prompts. For instance, users can ask Copilot to bring up a particular file section or website they viewed days earlier, providing a more intuitive approach to task management. This level of integration reflects Microsoft’s approach to merging practical AI tools with familiar workflows, especially within Surface products.
ARM-Based Surface Pro 11 Enhances AI and Performance
Microsoft’s commitment to AI-powered hardware took a tangible step forward earlier this year with the launch of the ARM-based Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 6 in May. These devices represent Microsoft’s move to ARM processors, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite, positioning them as direct competitors to Apple’s M-based laptops.
During its May 20 event, Microsoft emphasized the Surface Pro’s improvements in performance and AI, including a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) dedicated to executing local AI tasks without relying on cloud servers.
The ARM-based Surface Pro, with its 90% performance boost, integrated 5G support, and advanced camera, demonstrates Microsoft’s intention to elevate its hardware to match or surpass competing devices. The addition of Recall and other Copilot capabilities to these ARM devices illustrates how Microsoft is embedding AI into the Surface lineup, creating a more efficient user experience through predictive and responsive features.
Microsoft’s Broader Vision for AI Hardware
Microsoft’s shift to ARM and AI-powered Surface models reflects a broader strategy to integrate intelligent features directly within device hardware. Qualcomm’s support has been instrumental in advancing these AI capabilities, particularly with the Snapdragon X Elite processor, which enables higher emulation speeds and superior app compatibility. Emulation, the ability of one processor type to run software designed for another, is critical for ensuring compatibility as Microsoft shifts more of its hardware to ARM.
In addition, Microsoft’s move to integrate Trusted Platform Modules (TPM) and Neural Processing Units (NPUs) into devices like the Surface Pro according to Mehdi reflects its commitment to balancing security and performance. TPM, a security chip embedded in many Windows devices, protects sensitive data, while NPUs handle AI tasks locally, reducing the need for constant cloud connectivity.
“The Copilot Plus PC…is the bar…an NPU, Copilot, the TPM chip, and then suitable memory floors. I think that’s kind of the key thing.” Medy reinforces that security, especially in light of cybersecurity risks, necessitates hardware requirements, saying, “The hardware floor and this TPM chip…if we didn’t do that, the risks these days with all of the malware and cybersecurity things—we had to do it.“
Expanding Copilot+ to Intel and AMD Devices
Starting November 2024, Microsoft will broaden Copilot+ access to devices with Intel’s 200V processors and AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series, extending the AI assistant beyond Qualcomm-powered devices. These updates introduce features like live video captions, translation capabilities, and image creation tools in Paint, offering Intel and AMD users access to the same suite of tools available on ARM-based devices. The move also allows Microsoft to maintain consistent AI features across x86 and ARM architectures, catering to a wide range of Windows users.
Intel’s 200V series processors, which include a neural processing unit (NPU) with 48 TOPS, will enable efficient AI processing directly on devices, while AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series, delivering up to 50 TOPS, boosts performance across productivity and creative applications. With Copilot+ PCs expanding, Microsoft aims to solidify its commitment to AI, making advanced tools accessible to more Windows devices, regardless of underlying hardware architecture.
Microsoft Eyes New Markets with AI Wearables
Mehdi’s comments reveal Microsoft’s broader aspirations for wearables that incorporate AI capabilities. The potential for Surface-branded wearables speaks to a future where AI isn’t limited to laptops and desktops but extends to personal, everyday technology. Microsoft’s idea of wearables with contextual awareness could offer real-time guidance and environmental insights, taking personal devices beyond simple step-counting.
While the specifics of these devices remain under wraps, Mehdi’s vision includes wearable tech capable of interpreting surroundings and providing live information to aid in user well-being and productivity.
The possibility of future collaboration between Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox divisions also suggests an ecosystem approach, where wearables, PCs, and gaming hardware work together to create a unified experience. Though Mehdi didn’t confirm specific projects, his hints at cross-platform synergies underscore Microsoft’s exploration of ways to merge gaming, productivity, and health tracking within one cohesive device family.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 2:18 pm CET
