What is an AI PC?

AI has been the most hyped phrase in IT for some years. You'll hear about it every time you look into purchasing a new phone, and AI has now made its way deep into laptops and desktop PCs.

Intel, which manufactures the most popular PC processors, has been talking about "AI PCs" since 2023. Microsoft has recently introduced the name "CoPilot+ PCs," which is its version of the AI PC.

Is it just marketing? Is there indeed anything novel about these AI PCs? Should you consider upgrading? We are in the era of AI laptops and desktops. Here's what you should know.

What is an AI PC?

Here, we will explain What is AI PC and its concept.  The AI PC concept is an effective marketing technique for corporations who want you to update your hardware. However, there is some strong backing for the hypothesis.

AI PCs contain a CPU that includes a neural processing unit (NPU). This sounds more like science fiction than it is. It is a chipset designed particularly for the kinds of tasks that AI demands. 

Your standard laptop CPU processor can generally perform the same task, but it may be slower and waste more power. This is why laptop PC technology is so crucial compared to desktop computers. Efficiency is especially important when using a battery.

If you delve a little deeper, you'll notice that Intel, Qualcomm (the hardware makers), and Microsoft (the AI software provider) all mention the need for "40 TOPS" of NPU power.

TOPS refers to "trillions of operations per second." But the most important thing to note here is that this level of capability has been determined to be sufficient for a PC to operate an AI assistant in real-time on a laptop or desktop without relying on cloud computing.

Is this still considered an arbitrary standard?

Yes, AI-enhancing NPU hardware has been included in phones since 2017. In 2017, Apple launched it in the iPhone X with the A11 Bionic chipset. Huawei also began the ball moving among Android phones in 2017 with the Kirin 970 and the Huawei P20 Pro.

Apple laptops have had NPUs since 2020's M1 MacBooks. This technology is more familiar than you would think. However, Microsoft, the company that created Windows 11, chose May 2024 to draw a line in the sand and proclaim its new age of NPU capability on personal computers.

Windows 11 Recall is the most concerning of the new AI functions. It can watch and remember everything you do on your computer and then use that information to guide future responses when you ask it for help or want to find anything on your computer.

It's similar to a personal assistant but maybe creepier. How much of this AI data would you lose without a complete "AI PC"? We're not sure yet.

What laptops qualify as AI PCs?

The newest generation of AI PCs are known as CoPilot+ laptops. Here are some of the models announced thus far:

Acer Swift 14 AI (£1,199; coming in July)

Asus Vivobook S 15 (£TBC, expected in June)

Dell XPS 13 ($1,300, date TBC)

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus ($1,100, date TBC)

Dell Inspiron 14 (£TBC; date TBC)

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (starting at $999, expected in June)

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (from $999, expected in June)

Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge (From £1,399, Due in June)

All of these laptops include either the Qualcomm Snapdragon X or Snapdragon X Elite CPU. Qualcomm processors are typically associated with phones rather than laptops, despite the fact that they have been producing the 'brains' of laptops for many years.

However, according to early testing by XDA Developers, these are more powerful than previous high-end Intel laptop CPUs in virtually all benchmarks.

5 Latest AI-Enabled Gadgets     

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize our daily lives, seamlessly integrating into gadgets that enhance convenience, personalization, and efficiency. Here are five of the latest AI-enabled gadgets making significant impacts.

1. Amazon Astro

Amazon Astro is a groundbreaking home robot designed to assist with a multitude of household tasks. This compact, wheeled device uses advanced AI algorithms to navigate around your home, avoid obstacles, and even recognize faces. Integrated with Alexa, Astro can control smart home devices, set reminders, and provide entertainment. Additionally, it serves as a mobile security system, patrolling your home when you're away and sending alerts if it detects any unusual activity.

2. Google Pixel 7 Pro

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is a flagship smartphone that leverages AI to redefine mobile photography. Its AI-driven camera system includes features like Magic Eraser, which allows users to remove unwanted elements from photos seamlessly. Actual Tone ensures that photos reflect accurate skin tones, enhancing inclusivity in photography. The phone also offers advanced voice recognition and real-time translation capabilities, making it an indispensable tool for communication and productivity.

3. Tesla Model S Plaid

The Tesla Model S Plaid represents the cutting edge of AI in automotive technology. Equipped with Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability, this electric vehicle uses AI to enable autonomous driving features such as auto lane change, auto park, and navigation on autopilot. Tesla’s AI system continuously learns from the driving environment, improving its performance and safety over time. This makes the Model S Plaid not only a marvel of speed and design but also a harbinger of the future of transportation.

4. Apple Watch Series 8

The Apple Watch Series 8 exemplifies AI's potential in health and fitness tracking. This smartwatch features advanced sensors that monitor heart rate and blood oxygen levels and detect irregular heart rhythms. AI algorithms analyze this data to provide personalized health insights and workout recommendations. Additionally, it can detect falls and respiratory issues, offering critical health alerts and potentially life-saving information in real-time.

5. Sony Aibo

Sony’s Aibo is an AI-driven robotic pet that brings companionship to a new level. Aibo’s AI allows it to learn from its environment and interactions, developing a unique personality over time. It recognizes faces, responds to voice commands, and can perform a variety of tricks. Aibo’s behavior mimics that of a natural pet, providing comfort and engagement without the maintenance responsibilities, making it an ideal companion for both children and adults.

These AI-enabled gadgets demonstrate the transformative power of artificial intelligence, enhancing our daily routines and introducing new possibilities in technology. From home security and personal health to automotive innovation and interactive companionship, AI continues to push the boundaries of what our devices can achieve, promising a brighter, more connected future.

FAQs

What is the distinction between an AI PC and a conventional PC?

Traditional computers thrive at efficiently completing preset tasks but struggle with complicated, unstructured data. AI computers excel in complicated tasks such as natural language processing, picture recognition, and autonomous decision-making, much beyond the capabilities of conventional systems.

Who produces AI PCs?

Other computer manufacturers, including Lenovo, Dell, HP, Asus, Acer, and Samsung, are introducing AI-ready PCs powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors. These processors promise better battery life and will run Microsoft's Copilot AI chatbot.

Is AI a CPU or GPU?

Enterprises often choose GPUs since most AI applications need concurrent execution of many calculations. Examples include neural networks. Massive parallel data inputs enable accelerated AI and deep learning processes.

Can I use AI on my computer?

Be My AI, the world's first AI visual assistant for blind or low-vision users, is now free to download from the Microsoft Store on any Windows 10/11 PC.