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Microsoft's Fall Event Focuses on Local AI and Surface Laptop Ultra
Confirmed
In Short: Microsoft's fall event on October 7 will showcase its Nvidia RTX Spark-powered Surface Laptop Ultra and discuss local AI advancements.
Microsoft's fall event, scheduled for October 7, will feature the company's Nvidia RTX Spark-powered Surface Laptop Ultra and delve into its vision for local AI capabilities.
The Surface Laptop Ultra, equipped with Nvidia's RTX Spark platform, aims to enhance local AI models, creative applications, and gaming performance.
Microsoft and Nvidia have been collaborating on the RTX Spark platform to boost local AI functionalities, as Nvidia's GPU expertise is integrated into laptops like the Surface Laptop Ultra.
The event, which starts at 10 a.m. EST, will be live-streamed on the Windows YouTube channel.
Microsoft's Surface CVP, Brett Ostrum, announced that the company will no longer use the 'Copilot+ PC' branding for its Surface PCs, indicating a shift in focus.
The Copilot+ PC brand, introduced two years ago to identify AI-first computers, is being phased out as Microsoft and Qualcomm drop the label from their systems.
The Surface Pro 12 and 13, announced this week, will not carry the Copilot+ PC logo or name, despite running Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus processors.
Microsoft's Surface devices corporate VP, Brett Ostrum, confirmed that the new Surface PCs will not be branded as Copilot+ PCs, emphasizing the continued importance of AI in these devices.
Qualcomm's SVP of compute, Kedar Kondap, explained that the initial purpose of Copilot+ PCs was to define a category of devices with specific AI hardware capabilities.
NVIDIA has avoided using the Copilot+ PC branding with its new RTX Spark devices, and Qualcomm is also stepping back from the label, focusing instead on AI functionality.
The Surface Pro 12 and 13, both running Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus processors, will be available on October 13, with a Qualcomm Hexagon NPU rated at 80 TOPS.
What this adds
Microsoft's shift away from the Copilot+ PC branding reflects a broader industry trend towards more generic AI-focused devices.
The event will provide insights into how local AI will shape the future of personal computing, as Microsoft and its partners continue to innovate in this space.
What's confirmed
- "probably without just using terminology now."
What's still developing
- As a member of PCMag's software team, I focus on Windows coverage, but also write about other key desktop operating systems and system apps.
- I own a mix of Chromebooks, iPads, MacBooks, and older Windows 10 PCs I use for experiential and software testing.
- (I used Windows 3.1 upon its release and have followed every subsequent release closely).
- Recommended by Our Editors The Best Mobile Workstations for 2026 Microsoft Is Betting on Local AI, With Nvidia as Its Wingman.
- On Oct. 7 We'll See If It Pays Off Googlebooks Can Run a Custom OS Through Unlockable Bootloader Whatever Microsoft reveals at its surprise fall event, which starts on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m.
- SAN FRANCISCO—In what is sure to be a jam-packed presentation, Microsoft finally seems ready to talk more about its Nvidia RTX Spark-powered Surface Laptop Ultra, along with its visions for Copilot and Windows.
- Make sure to tune in early and check back often, though, as we'll be updating this story with from-the-ground insights and deeper analysis throughout the week.
- We’re in San Francisco today to hear what’s next for Windows and Surface.
- Microsoft called Copilot+ PCs "the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever built" and said they were "the most significant change to the Windows platform in decades," when they were launched.
- Microsoft's Surface Laptop 7, which debuted with an Arm processor, faced the same issues initially, but the other way around.
- Microsoft has allowed all Windows 11 user to dump AP-powered Copilot virtual assistant The specifications Microsoft outlined are much more commonplace.
- Just two years ago, Microsoft launched its Copilot+ PC brand to identify AI-first computers with exclusive artificial intelligence features, but that wording is nowhere to be found on recent Microsoft devices or OEM products.