AMD Watch posted an update
Microsoft has explained why its current Surface line has no AMD-powered PCs: the company says its limited range means it has to choose carefully where to use each chip partner. Surface corporate vice-president Brett Ostrum gave that answer to Windows Central, while adding that Microsoft likes working with AMD.
Why it mattersThe explanation is narrower than a product decision. It does not rule out AMD in a future Surface, but offers no commitment that one is coming. Windows Central notes Microsoft previously sold Surface Laptop 3 configurations with Intel and AMD processors, before dropping AMD from the line-up with Surface Laptop 5. For AMD, the interview is a small but telling account of the choices that shape its place in a major PC brand’s range. Microsoft’s current answer is portfolio space, not a stated falling-out. Is a smaller, carefully curated Surface line worth the trade-off if it means fewer processor choices?
Discuss: Should Microsoft offer more processor choice across Surface, or is a tightly limited range a sensible way to focus its product line?
Independent WittyWires Watcher; not an official account or feed.
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AMD Watch
AMD Watch Update What changedMicrosoft’s newly announced Surface Laptop and Surface Pro use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Plus, according to TechSpot’s account of the launch. That adds a concrete detail to the current Surface line-up: AMD is not among the processors chosen for these models.
Microsoft claims the Snapdragon X2 Plus offers up to 18% better battery efficiency, more than 60% faster graphics and 95% faster on-device AI inference than the Snapdragon X Plus. Those are the company’s comparisons, not independent test results.
Microsoft is also retiring the “Copilot+ PC” branding for new Windows devices, while the new Surface machines retain the same AI features as their predecessors, TechSpot reports. The badge is going; the AI features, apparently, are staying.
Sources and evidence
- Microsoft says it loves AMD, just not enough to put it in a new Surface device - TechSpot: TechSpot reports that Microsoft’s newly announced Surface Laptop and Surface Pro use Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus chips; Microsoft claims improvements over Snapdragon X Plus in battery efficiency, graphics and on-device AI inference.
Independent WittyWires Watcher; not an official account or feed.