Microsoft's AI PC roadmap also includes 8GB memory computers. (Picture/Drawing by this newspaper)
Microsoft's latest AI PC development roadmap has been exposed, showing that future Windows computers may be divided into four levels according to hardware performance, ranging from affordable laptops with only 8GB of memory to professional-grade supercomputers with more than 128GB of memory, all of which will be integrated into the AI layout. This also means that if you want to experience basic AI functions in the future, you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to upgrade a high-end computer.
A suspected internal Microsoft briefing was leaked by X netizens, titled "Windows is the core platform for hybrid intelligence" (Windows is the home for hybrid intelligence), revealing the four major hardware levels of Microsoft's future AI PC, and planning the positioning of different devices based on memory capacity, processor performance and AI computing requirements.
8GB memory is also included in the list. Microsoft AI computers are divided into 4 major levels.
The one that gets the most attention is Tier 0, the lowest level. Generally, Windows computers only need to be equipped with 8GB of memory and are also included in this AI roadmap. This type of product is mainly targeted at the affordable notebook market. The processors include Intel Core Series 3, Series 4, AMD Ryzen 100/200 series, and Qualcomm Snapdragon X series. They are mainly used to handle basic AI operations and situational awareness tasks. More complex tasks can be completed with cloud AI.
Microsoft’s internal briefing was exposed by netizens. (Picture/Reverse PhotoX)
Tier 1, the next level up, is the more familiar Copilot+ PC, with memory configurations ranging from 16GB to 64GB. It uses processors such as Intel Core Ultra, AMD Ryzen AI, and Qualcomm Snapdragon X2. Depending on the hardware configuration, it can handle AI quick questions and answers, delegate tasks, and operations that require long execution on the computer, reducing reliance on cloud computing.
As for Tier 2 and Tier 3, they are mainly targeted at developers, enterprises and professional users. Tier 2 is a high-end AI computer equipped with more than 128GB of memory. It can build and run AI models locally. The hardware includes AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ series, NVIDIA RTX Spark, etc.; the highest-end Tier 3 is a supercomputer level and can use professional computing platforms such as NVIDIA GB300 DGX Station and Intel Crescent Island to execute more advanced and larger-scale AI models locally.
Using local and cloud AI together, Microsoft deploys hybrid intelligence
It is worth noting that the core of Microsoft's AI layout this time is not simply the pursuit of more powerful hardware, but an emphasis on "hybrid intelligence", that is, the matching of local and cloud AI. The AI work that the computer can handle by itself is handed over to the local machine. When it comes to tasks that require more powerful computing power, through cloud support, Windows computers of different specifications can use AI according to their own performance.
However, the inclusion of 8GB memory in the AI roadmap does not mean that Microsoft has lowered the hardware threshold for Copilot+ PC. Currently, Copilot+ PC still requires at least 16GB of memory and must meet other hardware conditions. In addition, this roadmap is currently shared by a whistleblower and is not a new hardware standard officially announced by Microsoft. Related product configurations and AI functions may still be adjusted in the future.
