In a bold move to democratize artificial intelligence, Microsoft announced a new lineup of Surface devices powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus chips. The 13-inch Surface Laptop and 12-inch Surface Pro tablet, set to hit shelves on May 20, are designed to bring advanced AI capabilities to a wider audience with starting prices of $899 and $799, respectively.
These devices mark Microsoft’s most affordable offerings yet to include its “Copilot+” AI feature suite. Copilot+ enables users to interact with their devices in intuitive ways, such as asking natural language questions to adjust system settings or generating initial drafts of documents. Until now, these features were largely exclusive to premium devices priced above $1,000 due to the high-performance computing requirements.
“We’re excited to make AI more accessible, especially for students and early-career professionals who need powerful yet affordable tools,” said Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President of Windows and Devices, during a recent press briefing. He emphasized that the new Surface lineup balances cost and capability, positioning it as a competitive alternative in the market.
The Surface Laptop and Surface Pro slot neatly into the pricing spectrum, offering a middle ground compared to similar products from competitors. By leveraging Qualcomm’s efficient and powerful Snapdragon X Plus chips, Microsoft ensures these devices deliver robust performance without compromising on battery life or portability.
The announcement signals Microsoft’s commitment to integrating AI seamlessly into everyday computing, making sophisticated tools available to users across various budgets. Pre-orders for the new Surface devices are now open, with availability expected later this month.
