Microsoft announced at its fall Surface event that Windows 11's Task Bar Search Menu will gain chatbot-like capabilities starting this fall, letting users type commands to control settings, find files, and converse with Copilot without opening a separate app. Executive Pavan Davuluri demonstrated features like toggling dark mode via text command and sending text messages through a paired phone directly from the Task Bar.
engadget.com
· 2026-10-07
Microsoft has introduced the Surface Laptop Ultra, a high-end Windows laptop featuring Nvidia’s new RTX Spark chip, marking Nvidia’s entry into Arm-based PC processors. The device underwent rigorous testing at Microsoft’s Redmond lab before launch, aiming to compete directly with the MacBook Pro in performance and capabilities. The Ultra also supports gaming and offers a sleek design similar to Apple’s space gray options.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-07
Microsoft unveiled a new magnetic charging feature called Magnetic Connect for the Surface Laptop Ultra, which attaches to the right-side USB-C port. The magnetic connection is designed to be simple to use, with the connector snapping into place when brought close. Despite the magnetic feature, the USB-C port remains fully functional for data, video, and other connections.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-07
Microsoft is holding a San Francisco event at 10AM PT on Wednesday, October 7th, featuring CEO Satya Nadella, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and Windows and Surface chief Pavan Davuluri discussing local AI on PCs. The keynote is expected to run about an hour and will be streamed on YouTube, with pricing and specs anticipated for the Surface Laptop Ultra and more details on Nvidia's RTX Spark platform.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-07
Microsoft launched its updated Surface Laptop and Surface Pro at Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit, powered by Snapdragon X2 Plus chips, without an AMD option. Surface CVP Brett Ostrum told Windows Central the company's limited device portfolio forces selective processor choices, while insisting Microsoft still values its AMD partnership.
techspot.com
· 2026-09-28
Apple has unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, drawing comparisons online to Microsoft's Surface Duo foldable line. Critics have accused Apple of copying the name, but Apple previously used 'Duo' for its PowerBook Duo laptop in 1992, predating Microsoft's product by decades.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-27
Microsoft Surface CVP Brett Ostrum told Windows Central that new laptops meeting the Copilot+ hardware requirements are no longer being labeled with the Copilot+ badge, even though the underlying NPU and performance specs remain. Devices like the upcoming Nvidia RTX Spark N1X and Microsoft's own Project Zenith are shipping without the branding, and Microsoft says it's scaling back Copilot's visible presence in Windows 11 while promising better performance and reliability, including optimization for 8GB RAM systems.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-09-26
Microsoft's newly announced Surface Pro (2nd Edition) and Surface Laptop (2nd Edition) meet all technical specs for the Copilot+ PC label but aren't marketed under that name, according to Surface VP Brett Ostrum. Both machines use Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus chips with an 80 TOPS NPU, well above the 40 TOPS threshold Microsoft originally set for the category. Microsoft's Copilot+ PC marketing page has also been quietly replaced with one for 'performance PCs.'
arstechnica.com
· 2026-09-25
Microsoft and Qualcomm confirmed at the Snapdragon 2026 Summit that they will no longer market new Surface and Snapdragon-powered PCs as 'Copilot+' devices, even though the underlying AI features remain unchanged. Surface VP Brett Ostrum and Qualcomm's Kedar Kondap both told Windows Central the companies still emphasize AI capabilities, just without the Copilot+ label that debuted with Arm-based Windows PCs in 2024.
techspot.com
· 2026-09-25
Microsoft's new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop meet the technical specs for Copilot Plus PCs but are not being marketed under that name, Surface CVP Brett Ostrom confirmed to Windows Central. Qualcomm's Kedar Kondap indicated similar devices will likely drop the branding going forward too.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-24
Microsoft unveiled a redesigned Surface Mouse at Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit, nearly a decade after the original launched in 2016. The new model adds haptic feedback, a customizable Action Button that defaults to launching Copilot, Bluetooth 6.0 multi-device support, and a battery Microsoft says lasts up to six months. It arrives October 13 in Black and Platinum for $79.99, alongside new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop devices.
techspot.com
· 2026-09-24
Microsoft has lowered prices on its smaller Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models, bringing them closer to costs seen two years ago. The refreshed bundles now include a Surface Mouse, though keyboards and the stylus remain separate purchases.
gizmodo.com
· 2026-09-23
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