During the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft is seizing the opportunity to advocate for a significant transition for users still operating on Windows 10, as the company gears up for what it describes as the "year of the Windows 11 PC refresh." This move comes against the backdrop of impending end-of-support for Windows 10, which will cease in October, thereby eliminating security updates and leaving users vulnerable.
Microsoft's Executive Vice President and Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, Yusuf Mehdi, has asserted that 2024 will be a pivotal year for computing, particularly highlighting the transformative capabilities brought by AI-driven technology within the new Copilot+ PCs. Speaking to BetaNews, Mehdi stated, “2024 will be remembered as a transformative year when many experienced the unique benefits of AI in practical application, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a Windows PC at work, at school, and at home.”
The emphasis on artificial intelligence in these Copilot+ PCs is designed to entice users to upgrade their current systems. Mehdi elaborated on this by claiming that these new devices set unprecedented benchmarks for performance and security, asserting that they exhibit speeds up to five times faster than popular five-year-old Windows PCs still in circulation. Furthermore, Mehdi indicated that top-tier models outperform the MacBook Air with M3 by as much as 58% in speed.
The narrative surrounding the transition to Windows 11 is multifaceted; Microsoft consistently stresses the importance of adopting the latest hardware to enhance security features and overall computing efficiency. Mehdi's remarks reflect a broader strategy aimed at individuals, small businesses, and large organisations, advising that now is the optimal moment to upgrade. He asserted, “Whether the current PC needs a refresh, or it has security vulnerabilities that require the latest hardware-backed protection, now is the time to move forward with a new Windows 11 PC.”
The expansion of Microsoft's partnership with major hardware manufacturers underlines its commitment to driving innovations in the PC space, particularly in relation to the AI capabilities integrated into these new systems. As CES 2025 progresses, further details and discussions on the Copilot+ PCs and the wider implications for the Windows ecosystem are anticipated to unfold, marking a significant moment for both Microsoft and the computing landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services