Microsoft To Unveil New Surface Devices At Redmond Event

Microsoft Corp. MSFT is set to reveal new hardware and software for consumer devices at an event on its Redmond, Washington campus on Monday. 

Reuters reported that the announcement will include new versions of the Surface Pro tablet and Surface Laptop, both of which will feature Qualcomm Inc QCOM chips based on Arm Holdings PLC ARM architecture.

Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips, equipped with a neural processing unit, will power the new devices, enhancing AI-focused applications like Microsoft’s Copilot software. 

This move marks a significant shift from Intel Corp INTC, whose processors have long dominated the PC market, towards lower-power Arm components vying for a share in Windows PCs.

This showcase comes just a day before Microsoft’s annual developer conference. Microsoft aims to solidify its position in the burgeoning market for consumer-friendly AI tools, a field in which it gained an early lead through its partnership with OpenAI.

Also Read: Microsoft Unveils AMD-Powered AI Chips To Rival Nvidia: Report

OpenAI and Alphabet Inc. GOOGL recently presented competing AI technologies capable of real-time, interruptible voice responses. 

Google’s updates include several new generative AI features for its search engine, underscoring the fierce competition among tech giants to lead in AI innovation.

The PC industry faces growing competition from Apple Inc. AAPL, which has seen success with its Arm-based custom chips, offering Macs enhanced battery life and performance. 

In response, Microsoft has partnered with Qualcomm since 2016 to transition Windows to Arm’s architecture. 

However, Qualcomm’s exclusivity on Windows devices ends this year, potentially opening the market to other chipmakers like Nvidia Corp NVDA.

Microsoft stock has gained more than 30% in the past 12 months. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund XLK and IShares U.S. Technology ETF IYW.

Price Action: MSFT shares are trading higher by 1.11% at $424.86 at the last check Monday.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Read Next: Microsoft’s Game-Changer! Reportedly Shifts ‘Call Of Duty’ To Game Pass Subscription

Photo via Microsoft