Microsoft Build 2024: These are the software and hardware releases you should know about
Microsoft Build 2024 is finally here, kicking off an exciting three days (May 21st-23rd) packed with innovation. Interestingly, Microsoft has decided to give an early announcement of some of its new hardware and software (mostly hardware) releases.
These hardware releases include the Surface Pro 11, Surface Laptop 7, and a ton of new Copilot features coming to what is called Copilot + PCs. Microsoft also hinted at a number of AI-focused features coming to Windows 11.
Admittedly, AI has been the major theme at recent tech conferences. From OpenAI's Spring event to Google I/O 2024, the last thing people may want to hear about is yet more AI, but from the look of things, it is obvious that Microsoft is joining the AI bandwagon to give its users a better real-time experience with its devices.
You can find out more about some of the announcements so far below:
Hardware Updates
CoPilot + PCs
Microsoft considers the CoPilot + PCs to be the next generation of AI PCs and has confirmed that they are the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever built.
Some of the powerful features these AI PCs have include powerful AI capabilities, AI-powered image creation, enhanced Windows Studio effects, and Live Captions with built-in live translations.
Also, these new CoPilot + PCs will have different versions unveiled by Microsoft's biggest brands such as Acer, Lenovo, HP, Dell, ASUS, and Samsung starting June 18.
Surface Pro 11
Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Pro 11 which comes with an OLED display and gives you 90% faster performance thanks to its Snapdragon X Elite and Plus processors which were built for ultra-fast performance.
Here are the specifications:
- CPU: Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus
- RAM: Up to 32GB LPDDR5x RAM
- Storage: Up to 1TB
- Display: 13-inch PixelSense Flow Display - upgradeable to OLED with 900 nits peak brightness
- Webcam: QHD Surface Studio camera with Windows Hello, 10MP rear-facing camera
- Battery: Up to 53 Whr - up to 14 hours of local video playback
- Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
- Weight: 1.97 pounds
- Price: Starting at $999.99
Surface Laptop 7
The Surface Laptop 7 doesn't feature many new updates as it maintains most of the features of the Surface Laptop 6. However, the stand-out difference is its CPU which can now be powered by the Snapdragon X Elite or the Snapdragon X Plus.
Here are the specifications:
- CPU: Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus
- RAM: Up to 64GB LDPPR5x RAM
- Storage: Up to 1TB
- Display: 13.8- or 15-inch PixelSense flow display, 3:2 aspect ratio, up to 600 nits peak brightness
- Webcam: 1080p with Windows Hello
- Battery: Up to 66 Whr - up to 22 hours of local video playback
- Dimensions: 11.9 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches (13.8-inch) 13 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches (15-inch)
- Weight: 2.96 pounds (13.8-inch), 3.67 pounds (15-inch)
- Price: Starting at $999.99
Software and AI enhancements
Recall Feature
An upcoming Recall feature is coming to Windows 11 that can "remember" apps and content a user accessed weeks or even months ago. For instance, it can help users find a specific Discord chat where they can discuss potential clothing purchases. With Recall's timeline, users can "scroll back" to review recent activities and delve into files like PowerPoint presentations to surface information relevant to their searches.
Importantly, Microsoft emphasizes that all user data associated with Recall is kept private and on-device, not used to train AI models. You can delete individual snapshots, adjust and delete ranges of time in Settings, or pause at any point right from the icon in the System Tray on your Taskbar. You can also filter apps and websites from ever being saved.
Image Editing and Live Translations
Another notable addition is Super Resolution, which can restore old photos by automatically upscaling them. Additionally, Copilot can analyze images to offer creative composition ideas. With a feature called Cocreator, users can generate images and instruct the AI to modify or restyle the images based on their drawings.
Live Captions with Live Translation
The Live Captions with live translations feature will be able to translate any audio passing through a PC—whether from YouTube or a local file—into the user’s chosen language. Initially, live translations will support around 40 languages, including English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Russian.
Windows Copilot Runtime
Powering capabilities such as Recall and Super Resolution is the Windows Copilot Runtime, a collection of approximately 40 generative AI models forming what Microsoft describes as "a new layer" of Windows. Working with the semantic index, a vector-based system local to each Copilot+ PC, the Windows Copilot Runtime allows generative AI-powered apps, including third-party apps, to run without necessarily needing an internet connection.
Conclusion
Microsoft has painted a vivid picture of what to look out for in its Build 2024. From the power unleashed by Copilot+ PCs to the intuitive features like Recall and Live Captions, Microsoft is making strong strides towards a more intelligent and user-friendly computing experience, one where AI seamlessly blends into our daily computing lives.
With more announcements expected throughout the conference, it's clear that exciting times are ahead for Windows users.
How to watch the live steam of the Build 2024 conference
The Build event will begin from 12 PM ET/9 AM PT today May 21, and you can watch by:
- Live streaming the entire event live on YouTube
- Live streaming on the event's official site build.microsoft.com. You'll need to complete the free registration, and then you'll gain access to the event's sessions and information directly from the website.
Follow Techloy's coverage of Microsoft Build 2024 from our editorial team.