Microsoft releases new Nvidia-chip AI PCs with revamped Windows 11
techcrunch ·
Microsoft has unveiled new AI-ready PCs powered by Nvidia's RTX Spark chip, featuring a revamped version of Windows 11. The announcement includes the Surface Laptop Ultra, with base prices starting at $2,600 and reaching up to $5,900 for high-end configurations. Additionally, Microsoft introduced the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, a workstation priced at $6,000 that comes pre-installed with essential developer tools like VS Code and GitHub Copilot CLI. These devices are designed to run AI models locally on-device, utilizing enhanced hardware capabilities such as superior cooling and unified memory. A key software feature is 'Execution Containers,' which allows for easier sandboxing of AI agents and will be available to all Windows 11 users. CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the importance of orchestrating multiple models with external context and memory to create effective AI agents. While primarily targeted at developers, with trade-in incentives for MacBook Pro users, the machines also support content creation and gaming. Dell simultaneously announced its own Nvidia-powered device, the XPS 16 Creator Edition, available for pre-order.
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