AI beats computers: here’s how new smart PCs promise to change our lives | Technologies

The future of the PC is artificial intelligence. In early 2024, Microsoft announced the first change to its keyboards in nearly 30 years: it decided to add a key to activate the Windows artificial intelligence (AI) assistant. This change was a harbinger of what was to come as AI became increasingly integrated into computers; So much so that this technology has become the fundamental basis of Computex 2024, the world’s most important computer trade show, which is drawing 1,500 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors from around the world to Taipei, Taiwan this week.

Tech giants such as AMD, Qualcomm, Intel, ASUS and Nvidia use this annual event to showcase their latest computing developments. “Artificial intelligence is our number one priority, and we are at the beginning of an incredibly exciting time for the industry,” said Lisa Su, president and CEO of AMD, in a keynote speech at Computex this Monday.

The future of computing is being prepared at this fair. James K. F. Huang, President of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the organization that invited EL PAÍS to Computex, says this: “Since our founding in 1981, computer technology has undergone significant changes, from the PC to the Internet. , mobile phones, the cloud, the Internet of Things, and now artificial intelligence.” Although computers with this technology are still in the early stages of development, their potential is enormous. So much so that Juan José Marsilla de Teruel-Moctesuma, commercial product manager for Lenovo Iberia, believes that “the transformation of the new AI-powered PCs will be the same or greater than when we moved away from mobile phones that only served to make calls and send SMS ” , To smartphonesthat have full connectivity and application capabilities.”

According to Germán Guerra, director of ASUS OP Spain, the most noticeable changes at the moment are in the area of ​​components: “Preparing a computer for AI means guaranteeing more power and processing power.” Artificial intelligence computers include a processor with an additional computing engine. It is a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) designed to handle heavy and continuous AI workloads with low power consumption. These neural engines in processors are becoming increasingly powerful. AMD, for example, stood out at Computex with the new AMD Ryzen AI 300 processor, which outperforms the competition by reaching 50 billion operations per second.

Semiconductor fever, new oil

To meet growing demand for complex chip systems, companies such as Intel are investing billions of euros in new factories. Walter Rivera, Intel’s leader in artificial intelligence technologies in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, emphasizes that 80% of advanced semiconductors are currently produced in one region of the world: Asia. This, according to the expert, makes the supply chain more vulnerable to service interruptions.

To avoid possible disruptions, Intel plans to increase its investments in Europe and America. “Chips will play a central role in international relations in the coming decades. Just as oil reserves have driven geopolitics for the past five decades, so too will semiconductors over the next five decades,” says Rivera.

Integrating artificial intelligence into PCs brings great benefits, but also a possible increase in price. “Obviously, the price of devices may increase due to the costs of developing and manufacturing the equipment. specialized as well as software inclusion advanced,” explains an HP spokesperson. However, the company is confident that prices will come down in the long term due to economies of scale and improved production processes.

Computers are 100 times more efficient

A clear example of the industry’s clear commitment to artificial intelligence is the unveiling of a new hardware category: the Copilot+ PC. These are computers with Hardware specifically for running AI workloads locally, rather than relying so heavily on the cloud as has typically been the case until now. “The new Copilot+ PC devices with neural engines are up to 20 times more powerful and up to 100 times more efficient for running AI workloads,” explains Elena Perez, Head of Surface at Microsoft Spain.

This company has worked with giants such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP or Lenovo to produce equipment with Copilot+. Generative AI offers advanced features on these PCs, such as Recall, which records everything you see and do on your PC, Cocreator, which lets you create and edit images using AI, and Live Captions, which translates audio from over 40 languages. with subtitles in English.

“It’s no longer about someone developing softwaresomeone develops an operating system, someone develops chips, and someone develops Hardware. We need to understand what kind of experience we want to provide and deliver that experience together,” explained Pavan Davuluri, corporate vice president of Windows and Microsoft devices, at one of the Computex conferences.

Assistants who schedule meetings and answer emails

According to the experts surveyed, artificial intelligence will revolutionize the way we use PCs at home and at work. “Computers, once static and predictable machines, are now more intelligent, adaptable and versatile,” explains José Romero, Customer Solutions Technologist for Spain and Portugal at Dell Technologies. HP’s Workplace Relations Index shows that AI is seen as a critical element of the future of work. In fact, 81% of Spanish business leaders believe it will make their work easier.

According to Romero, this technology will revolutionize productivity by automating repetitive tasks, offering advanced analysis and improving decision-making: “Collaboration will become more fluid with AI-powered virtual assistants that will schedule meetings, respond to emails and manage administrative tasks ” AI also has the potential to detect threats and protect business data. The possibilities are endless. “We will see computers collaborating with humans to solve complex problems, such as medical diagnostics or product design,” Marcilla emphasizes.

Screens that lock when leaving

In their presentations, the manufacturers promise that all users will enjoy daily improvements in audiovisual editing, file management and privacy. For example, Dennis Shay, director of ASUS SYS in Spain, emphasizes that AI can be used to lock the device when its owner is not near it. The ASUS Vivobook S 15 already does this, it has an Adaptive Lock feature that allows you to lock the laptop when the user leaves and unlock it when they return.

At home, computers learn the preferences of each family member and adapt lighting, air conditioning and music to suit their needs. This is highlighted by Romero, who emphasizes that AI can also help users solve problems on their computers by offering technical support 24 hours a day: “It can diagnose problems and help the user solve them with the help of virtual assistants that provide interactive tutorials and personalized recommendations.” . “

Rivera recalls that Andy Grove, former CEO of Intel, defined the PC as “the ultimate Darwinian device (due to its propensity to adapt, evolve, and change). With AI, we can achieve the highest level of adaptability. And this applies to both PC design and user experience,” he says. The future of computers, according to the Intel expert, will be strictly related to the future emerging needs of people.

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