Microsoft is rolling out a significant update for Copilot+ PCs that are powered by Intel or AMD processors. This update introduces several features that were previously exclusive to Copilot+ PCs equipped with Snapdragon chips. Among the newly available features are Live Captions, Cocreator, Restyle Image, and Image Creator. These enhancements are designed to improve accessibility and streamline communication, making Copilot+ PCs more capable and user-friendly.
The exciting new features are now on the way to Copilot+ PCs with either AMD Ryzen AI 300 series or Intel Core Ultra 200V chips. Until recently, these functionalities were exclusive to devices like the Surface Pro 11, which operates on Snapdragon technology. The introduction of features such as Live Captions allows users to enjoy real-time translation for audio and video content, making it easier to engage in activities like conference calls and podcasts.
Other features, including Cocreator, Restyle Image, and Image Creator, focus on enhancing content creation capabilities. These updates signify a substantial leap toward making Copilot+ PCs not just more powerful, but also more accessible for all users. Some of these experiences are already accessible through the March 2025 Windows non-security preview update, with Microsoft planning a gradual rollout to more PCs over the coming month.
While the rollout of these new features is a positive development, it also highlights some inconsistencies across the Copilot+ PC brand. The launch of Copilot+ PCs has not been without its challenges. Senior Editor Zac Bowden described the launch as a "total disaster," and many users are still confused about what the term "Copilot" actually encompasses. The term is used for several tools and services by Microsoft, leading to a lack of clarity.
For instance, users can run Copilot on non-Copilot+ PCs without issues, which complicates Microsoft's messaging. To further confuse matters, there are different types of Copilot+ PCs that do not feature the same capabilities. The aforementioned features—Live Captions, Cocreator, Restyle Image, and Image Creator—were exclusive to Snapdragon-powered devices until this announcement. Even now, the highly anticipated Semantic Search function remains in testing and is limited to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs.
Microsoft also announced a new feature, Voice Access, specifically designed for Copilot+ PCs. Currently available on Snapdragon X Series devices, this feature will roll out to other hardware later this year. Voice Access allows users to control their PCs using natural language commands, enhancing the overall user experience. However, it is unfortunate that this powerful feature is currently restricted to a specific chip architecture.
As it stands, one might question the very definition of a Copilot+ PC. While all Copilot+ PCs include a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), the functionalities available with those NPUs can vary significantly based on whether the device utilizes a Snapdragon, Intel, or AMD processor. Considering this disparity, some industry experts suggest that Microsoft should implement a tiered system for Copilot+ PCs, categorizing them into Copilot-, Copilot+, and Copilot² to provide clearer distinctions between features and capabilities.
