Microsoft To Add Intel Processor Option For Surface AI Devices, New Security Copilot Expansion
Microsoft is working with Intel and Qualcomm to bring 'parity of these features to devices going forward,’ says Nancie Gaskill, general manager for Microsoft’s Surface business.
Microsoft has new Surface offers set for February, including Surface Pro 11th Edition and Surface Laptop 7th Edition with Intel Core Ultra processors Series 2—bringing more choice to the generative artificial intelligence era—as well as new Surface USB4 Docks and Security Copilot in the Surface Management Portal.
The Redmond, Wash.-based tech giant also revealed a Surface Laptop with 5G coming later this year, an upcoming public preview for support for Microsoft Edge browser in Teams Rooms on Windows touch boards plus the addition of key storage provider for Pluton security processors, according to Microsoft.
Surface Pro 11 with 5G is already available for customers, Nancie Gaskill, general manager for Microsoft’s Surface business, said during a virtual press briefing.
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Microsoft Surface News
While Intel and Qualcomm Snapdragon features are on different release timelines for now, Gaskill said that Microsoft and its partners are working to accelerate AI experiences with all silicon partners “with the goal of bringing parity of these features to devices going forward.”
The new Intel processor-powered Surface devices and the new docks are set to hit the market Feb. 18. A public preview for Security Copilot in the Surface Management Portal is set for Feb. 24.
Surface Laptop for Business and Surface Pro for Business with Intel Core Ultra processors Series 2 are priced starting at $1,499.99 MSRP. Customers will still have the option of Intel-powered and Snapdragon-powered Surface Copilot+ PCs. These PCs work with Microsoft’s Copilot AI product and promise enhanced AI processing power.
Surface USB4 Docks are priced starting at $199.99. Surface Pro and Surface Laptop users can connect and power devices with two USB-C, one USB-A, Ethernet and High-Definition Multimedia Interface ports, according to Microsoft. The docks offer up to 65-watt power passthrough, up to 40-Gbps data transfer and Dual 4K monitor support through USB-C or HDMI transforms.
The Surface Laptop 5G will also come equipped with Intel Core Ultra processors Series 2, according to Microsoft.
Intel With Surface Business Computers
Microsoft’s new Surface Laptops for Business with Intel Ultra processors Series 2 have up to 22 hours of battery, anti-reflective displays with ultrathin bezels, Wi-Fi 7 and optional smart card readers, among other features, according to the vendor.
The laptops come with a 13.8-inch or 15-inch display. Microsoft said the new laptops have faster performance for multitasking compared with the Surface Laptop 5, faster graphics performance and three times the battery life when on Teams calls.
The new Surface Pro for Business with Intel Core Ultra processors Series 2 offers users Surface Slim Pens for taking notes, an ultrawide camera with automatic framing and promises up to twice the battery life during Teams calls compared with Surface Pro 9. It has an anti-reflective display option, reduced blue light exposure, flicker-free technology and far-field studio mics.
The computers can leverage Microsoft 365 Copilot for summarizing and analyzing notes on the device without an internet connection and maintaining encryption and permissions, according to Microsoft. Organizations can use AI processing without sending data to the cloud.
Users can leverage Windows Hello Camera facial recognition for a secure sign-in option or built-in near-field communication readers with security keys to avoid passwords.
Preview For Security Copilot Expansion
The Security Copilot in Surface Management Portal capability promises solution providers and IT administrators a platform within Intune for monitoring, managing and securing Surface devices, according to Microsoft.
The tool has device health monitoring, firmware updates and security compliance checks. It leverages natural language conversations and GenAI for device management, troubleshooting, accessing information and other use cases.
Users can summarize warranty information, access support tickets and save time on routine maintenance tasks, according to Microsoft.
Teams Rooms Update
Microsoft also revealed Thursday that Teams Rooms on Windows touch boards, including the Surface Hub 3, will have a public preview for support for its Edge browser in the second quarter. The capability should become generally available in the third quarter.
Along with Edge support, Microsoft is at work on support for Miracast wireless projection, with no release date disclosed.
And for solution providers working on device migrations with Windows 10 Team edition end of support set for Oct. 14, the new features could help with motivating customers to migrate from Surface Hub 2S devices to Teams Rooms on Windows.
Touch board users will have the ability to launch Edge from the home screen and log into web-based applications and tools, including Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat and OneDrive.com, according to Microsoft. Edge will support third-party and custom business apps.
Edge will run in “kiosk mode” to account for multiple users sharing the device and launched as an InPrivate session every time. Ending sessions wipes credentials, browsing history and other data for security.
Users can share Edge sessions started on Hub 3 into a Teams meeting, even spur of the moment. A smaller Teams meeting window is meant to help users see active speakers, raised hands and incoming chat messages while interacting with Edge. Users can also return to full meeting controls in the Teams Rooms application, according to Microsoft.
As for Miracast, this feature will allow users to interact with content on Hub 3 displays and translate touch and pen inputs back to PCs. Users can desktop-share Miracast-projected content into Teams meetings as well.
Pluton KSP Addition
Microsoft said it plans to add a key storage provider for its Pluton security processor. The processors are enabled by default on all Copilot+ PCs and work for Intel Core Ultra processors Series 2 and Snapdragon X processors, according to Microsoft.
The key storage provider is enabled even if Pluton isn’t the configured trusted platform module, giving users Pluton cryptography capabilities with familiar APIs, according to Microsoft. Apps integrating with the security hardware should have better key management for firmware upgrades, PC reset and other events.
Microsoft Entra and Intune will have integrated protection for client components with the Pluton KSP in the future, according to the vendor.
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