Microsoft unveils AI-enabled PCs: Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 for businesses

Microsoft is preparing for its "year of the AI PC" with two new Surface devices aimed exclusively at businesses. The Surface Pro 10 for Business and Surface Laptop 6 for Business feature Intel's latest Core Ultra processors, Microsoft's new Copilot key, and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to enhance AI-powered features in Windows 11. These are hailed as "the first Surface AI PCs built exclusively for business." Despite lacking external redesign, the Surface Pro 10 for Business closely resembles the Intel version of the Surface Pro 9, while the Surface Laptop 6 for Business adds a USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port and optional smart card reader, maintaining a similar design to the Surface Laptop 5. Both models are set to ship to commercial customers starting April 9th.

Surface Laptop 6 for Business

Gaskill states that the Surface Laptop 6 for Business has undergone a comprehensive redesign internally. Microsoft has opted for Intel's Core Ultra H-series chips, aimed at providing desktop-grade performance. Businesses can choose between the Core Ultra 5 135H and the Core Ultra 7 165H, with the base model starting at $1,199, equipped with 8GB of RAM (configurable up to 64GB) and storage options ranging from 256GB Gen4 SSD to 1TB.

The 15-inch model of the Surface Laptop 6 for Business will feature two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, a headphone jack, and Microsoft's Surface Connect port for charging. In contrast, the smaller 13.5-inch model will include a single USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port, along with a headphone jack and Surface Connect port.

Microsoft has maintained the display of the Surface Laptop 6 for Business without significant alterations, but it has introduced an anti-reflective coating. Additionally, the front-facing camera has been upgraded to a 1080p resolution, although it lacks a wide-angle feature like the Surface Pro 10 for Business. Nevertheless, users will have access to Windows Studio Effects, offering background blur and automatic framing during video calls.

Microsoft asserts that the Surface Laptop 6 for Business will exhibit twice the speed of its predecessor, the Laptop 5, courtesy of the Ultra H-series processors. Select markets will offer an optional smart card reader, and users will benefit from Microsoft's new Copilot key, providing access to the AI-powered Copilot assistant in Windows 11.

Microsoft will exclusively offer both devices to businesses through its own channels and authorized resellers, indicating they're not intended for consumer purchase at retail stores like Best Buy. However, consumers can still technically buy them from Microsoft's business store online or through resellers. According to Gaskill, "These products are exclusively designed for business, but this doesn't mean we're not developing products for consumers in the future. We remain committed to that, but we're introducing these specifically tailored for commercial use."

Moreover, both devices are touted as Microsoft's "most easily serviceable Surface devices ever." QR codes have been placed on the internal components of both devices, with internal markings on the Surface Pro 10 for Business aiding in identifying screws and driver types for specific components.

While Microsoft isn't yet discussing the numerous AI features slated for inclusion in Windows later this year, these new devices will be prepared for them. Microsoft intends to host a dedicated Windows and Surface AI event on May 20th, where CEO Satya Nadella will outline the company's "AI vision" for both software and hardware.

Anticipated are consumer versions of the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 at the May 20th event, alongside significant new AI features for Windows 11 that leverage the NPU chips. Until then, both the Surface Pro 10 for Business and Surface Laptop 6 for Business will begin shipping on April 9th, with prices starting at $1,199.

Surface Pro 10 for Business

Microsoft, which typically trails in adopting the latest Intel chips for Surface devices, is among the first to ship Intel's new Core Ultra processors this time. The Surface Pro 10 for Business offers a choice between Core Ultra 5 135U and Core Ultra 7 165U options, with a base configuration of 8GB of memory expandable up to 64GB of RAM. Priced at $1,199, the base model also includes a 256GB Gen4 SSD. Featuring two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and Microsoft's Surface Connect port for charging, the Surface Pro 10 for Business promises up to 19 hours of battery life with these new Intel chips.

Additionally, Microsoft has enhanced the 13-inch display on the Surface Pro 10 for Business with a new anti-reflective coating and a 33% increase in brightness. Despite rumors suggesting the unveiling of a Surface Pro 10 with OLED, the Surface Pro 10 for Business will ship with an LCD display.

When questioned about rumors regarding a Surface Pro 10 featuring an OLED display, Nancie Gaskill, general manager of the Surface business, told The Verge, "We are not announcing that product at this time." However, when pressed further on the existence of such a product, Gaskill stated, "We aren't confirming any rumors currently. The Surface Pro 10 for Business features an anti-reflective display."

Insiders familiar with Microsoft's strategies have informed me that the company intends to unveil a consumer-oriented variant of the Surface Pro 10 boasting an OLED display during a hardware and AI event scheduled for May 20th.

In addition to the display enhancements, the Surface Pro 10 for Business features a significantly upgraded front-facing camera. Boasting a 114-degree field of view and capable of capturing footage in 1440p resolution, it marks the first camera with such an ultrawide field of view in the PC market today, according to Gaskill. Thanks to the NPU chip embedded within, users will also have access to Windows Studio Effects, offering background blur and automatic framing during video calls.

Furthermore, Microsoft has included an NFC reader on the Surface Pro 10 for Business, facilitating the easy integration of devices like YubiKey NFC security keys for authentication. Additionally, Microsoft is planning to offer a 5G option for the Surface Pro 10 for Business. "This is our inaugural introduction of 5G to Intel on the Surface Pro," explains Gaskill. "While we previously introduced 5G to our Surface Pro 9 with Qualcomm, we also had Surface Pro 8 LTE and Surface Pro 7 Plus LTE."

Finally, Microsoft is enhancing the Surface Pro keyboard with a revamped keyset, featuring larger font, enhanced backlighting, and the new Copilot key to activate its AI-powered feature in Windows 11.