Microsoft has unveiled its new Automatic super resolution (Auto SR) feature, which will be integrated into Windows 11 and available on Copilot Plus PCs. Auto SR is designed to compete with technologies like Nvidia's DLSS and aims to improve game visuals by applying AI enhancements while rendering at a lower resolution to boost frame rates. The feature utilizes larger on-device AI models and a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to achieve these enhancements without requiring game developers to make any changes to their games' rendering process. Microsoft has already enhanced 11 tested games at launch and plans to expand the list in the future. The first set of Copilot Plus PCs, equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chips, will be released on June 18th.
However, there is some disappointing news for users of non-Qualcomm laptops under the Copilot Plus label. It has been revealed that only a handful of new laptops sold under the Copilot Plus label will have advanced AI features from the start. The Copilot Plus laptops will now be divided among three different chipsets, and unfortunately, two of them will not have any AI features initially. Arm-based laptops will have Recall and the gaming-oriented Auto Super Resolution mode at launch, while AMD and Intel laptops will have to wait for "free updates" to receive these features. According to Microsoft marketing manager James Howell, AMD and Intel laptops might not receive Copilot Plus experiences until the end of 2024. This delay puts Microsoft in a challenging position as Apple prepares to integrate its AI features into MacOS 15. Windows users interested in AI will have to choose between three options and put in additional effort to understand the capabilities of their new computers out of the box.
ASUS and MSI have also announced their participation in the Copilot Plus PC program, showcasing their new AI-powered gaming PCs at Computex 2024. ASUS has launched the Vivobook S 15, Zephyrus G16, and Zenbook S 16, while MSI has introduced the Claw 8 AI Plus as an upgrade to its previous handheld gaming PC. Both companies are leveraging AI technology to enhance the performance and capabilities of their gaming PCs, offering gamers a more immersive and efficient gaming experience. With the introduction of these new Copilot Plus PCs, consumers now have more options to choose from, each with its own unique features and advantages.
The introduction of Microsoft's Auto SR feature and the participation of ASUS and MSI in the Copilot Plus PC program demonstrate the industry's commitment to integrating AI technology into gaming. These advancements aim to provide gamers with enhanced visuals and improved performance, creating a more immersive gaming experience. As AI-enabled computers are expected to make up a significant portion of personal computer shipments in the coming years, the development of AI-enhanced gaming PCs is crucial in driving the growth of the PC market and meeting the demands of consumers.
Nvidia, a key player in the gaming industry, has also been making strides in AI innovations for desktops. The company recently announced its RTX AI Toolkit for developers, empowering them with the necessary tools to harness the power of AI. Additionally, Nvidia showcased a tech demo for Project G-Assist, an AI assistant with gaming knowledge. These efforts demonstrate Nvidia's commitment to integrating AI into various applications, including gaming.
Google is also exploring the integration of AI capabilities into its Chromebooks. John Solomon, vice president of ChromeOS and education at Google, discussed the value proposition of Chromebooks, the growth rate in education, and the Chromebook Plus as a launchpad for AI. Solomon highlighted the potential for Chromebooks to run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and the development of AI vision on Chromebooks. Google aims to provide a range of Chromebook options at different price points while ensuring a good user experience and integrating AI capabilities.
In conclusion, the introduction of Microsoft's Auto SR feature, along with the participation of ASUS and MSI in the Copilot Plus PC program, highlights the industry's focus on integrating AI technology into gaming. These advancements aim to enhance game visuals, improve performance, and create a more immersive gaming experience for consumers. However, the delay in AI features for non-Qualcomm laptops under the Copilot Plus label poses a challenge for Microsoft as Apple prepares to integrate AI features into MacOS 15. With the continued development of AI-enhanced computers and the efforts of companies like Nvidia and Google, the future of AI in gaming looks promising.