With AI integrated into the new line of Copilot + PC, Microsoft has made one of its biggest changes to their platform in decades. However, one change that will not be included, at least for now, is the Recall system, which was excluded at the last minute due to serious security concerns. Even without the screenshot-every-five-seconds Recall system, there’s still plenty to be excited about in the Asus VivoBook S 15, powered by the Snapdragon chip.
Here’s a quick rundown of its specs: a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite 3.4 GHz Qualcomm Oryon CPU, 16 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage. The sleek 15.6-inch display, full backlit keyboard, two Type C ports (which also serve as the charging ports), card reader, audio jack, and two USB A ports add to its appeal.
The real intrigue of the Copilot + PC (with a list of upcoming devices) lies in its new user features, which have not been seen before. Additionally, it boasts an all-day battery life, claiming up to 22 hours of use before needing a charge. As Microsoft states in their official blog, “With powerful new silicon capable of an incredible 40+ TOPS (trillion operations per second), all-day battery life, and access to the most advanced AI models, Copilot+ PCs will enable you to do things you can’t on any other PC.”
AI features in Paint, Photo, and more allow users to leverage AI easily and from the confines of their laptop, even without Wi-Fi. With Cocreator, users can evolve ideas started in Paint. With Restyle Image, AI can change or create images. Liquid Text uses AI to improve texts or notes, running entirely on the device. Live Captions provide subtitles in English from over 40 languages. Every Copilot + PC includes the Copilot AI feature, complete with its own Copilot key, making AI functions easier, quicker, and more secure.
So far, reviews have been hesitantly optimistic. The battery life seems to be phenomenal, with one reviewer streaming for 15 hours straight before needing to charge. However, there are mixed feelings about the keyboard, and many users wish the device had a touch screen. The AI features are useful but not spectacular, with Paint and Photo clearly showcasing AI capabilities.
Recall has caused considerable controversy, leading Microsoft to pull the feature from all devices except those previewed by Windows Insider Program members. Amid security and privacy concerns, and even proven hacking possibilities, Microsoft aims to solve the Recall security issue with decryption and user authentication. If preview feedback is positive, the Recall feature will likely be included for all users. Microsoft has upped their game with Copilot + PC, bringing something innovative and futuristic. While the overall user opinion remains to be seen, particularly regarding Recall, the impressive battery life alone makes this PC worth considering, especially for on-the-go buyers. The integrated Copilot feature is a significant bonus, and the potential for future improvements is limited only by Microsoft’s imagination.
AI integration seems to be the future, and Microsoft is certainly betting on it.