Microsoft’s Terms For AI PCs Could Spell Bad News For Older Models: What It Means – News18

Microsoft is planning for the big AI evolution of PCs in the coming years and that might bring some bad news for current PC users who plan to use their machine for many years. The company feels that in order to run AI-centric applications and features, a Windows laptop would need a minimum of 16GB RAM to work effectively.

That’s not all, reports say Microsoft also expects the AI PCs to have 40 TOPS which is a range for computing power that probably gives them the confidence of running AI applications and hence get the badge of an AI PC from the Windows maker.

The company has adopted ChatGPT in its own avatar with the Copilot which is coming to Windows 11 and the rumoured Windows 12 devices in the near future. In addition to this, Microsoft also wants to have a physical shortcut to activate Copilot that is also likely to be part of the terms for an AI PC in the market.

But one cannot deny that the supposed requirement for 16GB RAM laptops will render the older or even 8GB RAM laptops obsolete, especially when Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 which will put further pressure on consumers and even businesses to upgrade their machines, purely to stay in touch with the latest tech advancement in the industry. It will be hardly surprising to see Microsoft make these big calls, especially after what it did to support Windows 11 for older PCs.

Prices of Windows laptops and other components have gone up and making 16GB RAM mandatory will put further pressure on brands to hike the selling price, which could have a direct impact on the demand and sales of the machines, which definitely needs a boost in the coming 12 months to erase the stagnation of the last few years. Analysts have talked about the impact of AI PCs on the segment but any major disruption could alter their outlook and discourage people from upgrading anytime soon.