Microsoft’s new AI-powered computers could fire up PC, Mac rivalry: Nadella

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft / Photo credit: Microsoft

Microsoft has unveiled Copilot+PC, a new personal computer featuring a distinct AI chip for quicker processing.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said that with this new computer line, the company aims to step up competition between Windows PCs and Apple’s Macs.

Nadella claimed Copilot+PC could outshine Apple’s MacBook Air M3 by a substantial 58%. The new hardware is set for distribution starting June 18, with a starting price of US$1,000.

However, Microsoft’s partnership with AI research lab OpenAI is under scrutiny from regulators in locations like Europe, the US, and the UK. There’s a debate on whether such AI investments could impede competition or need to be regulated like merger deals.

In response, Nadella said that partnerships like its tie-up with OpenAI are actually driving competition in the fast-growing AI field.

Microsoft is doubling down on its investments in AI across markets including in Southeast Asia. In April, Nadella visited several countries in the region to announce this commitment.

The tech giant plans to invest US$1.7 billion in Indonesia and US$2.2 billion in Malaysia to build AI infrastructure. Microsoft also said it will provide AI training and support to 2.5 million people in Southeast Asia by 2025.

See also: ByteDance eyes Singapore for genAI push, posts several job openings