AI-powered PCs are arrived, and computer makers are hoping that the hype around generative AI will entice customers to update their equipment. These sophisticated PCs include neural processing units (NPUs), which work alongside standard CPUs and GPUs to do on-device AI tasks like language processing, picture recognition, and speech synthesis. According to Greg Davis, an analyst at Canalys, these AI technologies not only provide entertaining new skills, but also improve PC speed and battery life.
Canalys predicts that PC shipments in the United States will climb by 5% to 69 million units in 2024, followed by an 8% increase to 75 million units in 2025. However, demand for AI PCs will only make up a minor percentage of this development. The biggest driver of the growth in PC sales will be companies updating their hardware before Microsoft discontinues support for Windows 10 in October 2025. As Davis points out, IT departments prefer not to utilize unsupported operating systems, thus many will migrate to Windows 11.
Leading PC makers, like as Dell and HP, are already delivering AI PCs powered by the newest AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm CPUs. While AMD and Intel’s CPUs employ the x86 architecture, Qualcomm’s chips are Arm-based. These new PCs run various versions of Windows, with AMD and Intel utilizing Windows 11 and Qualcomm using Windows on Arm.
Microsoft is promoting its AI PCs as Copilot+ PCs, which are named after its Copilot artificial intelligence assistant. Some versions even include a dedicated Copilot button on the keyboard for convenient access. These AI PCs include document summarizing, email and photo management, and the capacity to generate artwork based on language inputs. However, a new function called Recall, which monitors every user activity on the computer, has prompted privacy and security concerns.
Despite the hype around AI PCs, no one application is now driving their uptake. According to Amit Daryanani, an analyst at Evercore ISI, this is a short-term issue, and particular sector use cases will emerge shortly. Semiconductor companies like AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm are confident about the potential sales boost from AI PCs. AMD advertises the Ryzen Pro series, Intel the Core Ultra CPUs, and Qualcomm the Snapdragon X Elite and Plus processors. Nvidia is likewise aiming to improve AI PCs with its GPUs.
Memory chip vendors, like as Micron Technology, anticipate growing demand for high-end memory devices as AI PCs require more DRAM and bigger SSDs.
IDC, a research group, expects that worldwide PC sales would stay steady in 2024, with 260.2 million shipments. Economic issues in China are projected to have an influence on worldwide PC sales; but, excluding China, the industry is expected to increase by 2.6% this year. While AI PCs may not instantly increase shipping quantities, they are likely to improve average selling prices. JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee predicts that AI PCs would account for more than 40% of PC shipments by 2026, with small quantities in 2024 and a “high-teens” share in 2025.
Chatterjee thinks that integrating AI capabilities and apps in PCs will provide new activities targeted at increasing productivity and device security, eventually improving the user experience.
Source: Information obtained from Investor’s Business Daily article “AI PCs Are Here. Let The Upgrades Begin, Computer Makers Say” by Patrick Seitz, published on July 5, 2024. You can check out the full article here.
Hi, I'm Voss Xolani, and I'm passionate about all things AI. With many years of experience in the tech industry, I specialize in explaining the functionality and benefits of AI-powered software for both businesses and individual users. My content explores the latest AI tools, offering practical insights on how they can streamline workflows, boost productivity, and drive innovation. I also review new software solutions to help readers understand their features and applications. Beyond that, I stay up-to-date with AI trends and experiment with emerging technologies to provide the most relevant information.