Why is PC Copilot+ such a disaster for the average user today?

Emulation is very confusing

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The only Copilot+ PCs available at launch are laptops with ARM-based chips. The chip is similar to what you'd find on a flagship mobile device and comes with a powerful NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for AI.

These laptops run the Windows operating system on ARM, meaning any software you use needs to support ARM. Google Chrome and Adobe Lightroom have native apps, but for programs that don't - like Discord and Slack - you'll have to use an emulator to load them. This workaround is simply too cumbersome and confusing for the average user, not to mention the performance issues it can cause.

By the way, this emulator class is called Prism. With all the controversy about Windows Recall being a privacy nightmare, does Microsoft really have to name its emulator like a data transfer program for the NSA?

Gaming has a lower level feel

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At first glance, what PC Copilot+ can do for laptop gaming seems like magic. The AI ​​chip offers Automatic Super Resolution (ASR), a feature comparable to Nvidia's DLSS and AMD's FSR. Microsoft's ASR uses AI to upscale games to higher resolutions on the fly while maintaining frame rates.

Unfortunately, you can only use this spell if the game is running. Currently, most games on Steam do not have original versions. Because they need emulation to work, many favorite titles will operate at poor frame rates or sometimes not at all. Get ready for Skyrim: Crash to Desktop Edition.

Don't despair - PC Copilot+ could move the market towards full support for ARM gaming. There are also plans to ship traditional Intel/AMD processors that meet NPU requirements. However, these timelines are vague and currently, it's not good enough for those who want an "all-in-one" laptop.

Most VPN services do not work

Another big concern these days is that some VPN services don't work on Copilot+ PCs, and the emulator feature doesn't fix the problem either. VPNs are no longer just a niche thing. According to Website Rating, there are currently about one and a half billion VPN users worldwide. VPNs are essential for connecting to corporate networks, accessing university resources, avoiding censorship, and protecting personal privacy.

The lack of support for the most used VPN applications will be a major obstacle for those who plan to use their laptop for work or school. It's worth mentioning that some services, like SurfShark, already offer working versions, and the other three major providers all claim that they're currently developing native apps. But would the average person make a trade because of the promises of things to come?

The Copilot key will annoy you

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What's special about PC Copilot+ is that their NPU allows for on-device AI processing. To emphasize this point, Microsoft decided to give each laptop a dedicated Copilot key. Access the AI ​​features of Windows 11, Photoshop, or DaVinci Resolve Studio with the push of a button.

The Copilot key cannot be remapped unless using third-party programs, so imagine all the ways you'll use AI when it's least expected. Maybe it'll pop up when you're on a video call, or it'll pull you out of full-screen mode in a multiplayer game.

Lack of product advantages at high price

The question remains whether the average person is primarily interested in laptops with AI or whether performance and battery life are still the main factors driving purchasing decisions. PC Copilot+ can compete. Some benchmarks show that its Snapdragon chip has faster multi-threaded performance than the MacBook Air's M3 processor. And some forum users have raved about the new laptop's incredible battery life.

Except there's one big problem: A PC running Windows Copilot+ starts at $999 and can go up to $2,500. No one thinks of laptops as first-generation devices, but in many ways, that's what PC Copilot+ is all about. At this price, you're probably better off with the sleek UX of a MacBook Air or the performance of a regular Windows laptop.

Of course, Microsoft and laptop manufacturers will soon overcome these barriers. There hasn't been a major change in the laptop space for a long time, and Microsoft deserves respect for taking a big gamble. A laptop with AI power could occupy that sweet spot between a fast tablet and a full-blown desktop.

But if you're not an early adopter and want a complete experience from the start, wait patiently.

Kareem Winters

Update 01 July 2024