Microsoft on Monday will unveil its vision for a new era of Windows PCs, made up of new Arm-based silicon from Qualcomm paired with next-generation AI experiences that will lead to new Windows devices that are always aware of where you are. The ability to translate languages in real time, enhance your webcam using artificial lighting and filters, artificially increase gaming performance, and generate text and images on the device.
This combination of hardware and software is something Microsoft has been working toward since early 2021, after it held a comprehensive meeting with leaders across Windows and Surface to discuss how it would respond to Apple Silicon. The company discussed a project called CADMUS, whose goals were to deliver a new era of performance, efficiency, and AI-capable Windows devices.
Microsoft has worked closely with Qualcomm on the new Snapdragon This next wave of Windows on Arm devices will be the first to feature true all-day battery life and consistent instant wake-up, without sacrificing performance. These new chips really trade blows with Apple Silicon.
A new generation of Windows computers
Internally, I’m told Microsoft has described these CADMUS devices as “the next generation of Windows PCs,” featuring AI experiences that will be exclusive to them. Microsoft will unveil the first CADMUS PCs in the form of a new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, powered by Snapdragon
What is notable is that these devices will Just Available with Qualcomm ARM chip. You won’t find Intel variants of Microsoft’s latest consumer-facing offerings, and that’s a big problem. It shows how confident Microsoft is about CADMUS’s efforts, which is reinforced by the fact that all the big-name OEMs are expected to ship their own Arm-powered devices this summer alongside Microsoft.
It’s the first time in the history of Windows on Arm that this has happened. All of Microsoft’s hardware partners are coming together for the big Windows on Arm relaunch, and they’re all now confident that Windows on Arm is ready for mainstream audiences. The new chips are so powerful that most emulated applications won’t feel like they’re emulated anymore, which was a big hurdle for Windows on Arm to overcome.
Windows on Arm can no longer be ignored
Not only that, but it looks like app developers are finally taking Windows on Arm seriously. Popular apps like Chrome, Spotify, and Photoshop are now bundled natively for Windows on Arm, and the number of apps and developers joining them is growing all the time. WhatsApp, DaVinci Resolve, and more Adobe apps are expected to join the fray soon. This platform can no longer be ignored.
Windows devices on Arm also benefit from this. The more applications are compiled natively for Arm, the less emulation is needed, which means better performance and battery life as a result. The Surface Pro
This isn’t just a flash in the pan either. Microsoft fully intends to offer all of its high-end Surface PCs with an Arm chip from now on, including the next Surface Laptop Studio, which I’m told is currently in the works but likely won’t appear until 2025.
Microsoft’s big AI push in Windows will be exclusive to Windows on Arm devices for now, at least until Intel and AMD can prepare NPUs (neural processing units) that can match what Qualcomm produces. With that in mind, I expect the ultimate goal is for the platform architecture to be irrelevant to the end user. If a Windows PC with a Qualcomm chip is as capable as a Windows PC with an Intel chip, why does it matter if it’s x86 or Arm?
Al will be revealed on Monday
Windows on Arm is about to have its moment in the spotlight, and for all the right reasons. The combination of silicon and AI experiences will be unparalleled for a long time. If you’re in the market for a new PC right now, and your next machine isn’t a Windows on Arm machine, you’re making a big mistake.
Windows Central will be on-site at Microsoft’s Windows and Surface event on Monday, May 20. Tune in to our live blog at 10am PT (1pm ET, 6pm GMT) to catch all the news as it happens. Alternatively, check out our detailed post on what to expect for spoilers!
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