Qualcomm and Microsoft Harness AI Hype to Drive PC Market Revival
Qualcomm and Microsoft are promoting AI PCs with integrated artificial intelligence capabilities. Only 3% of the PCs shipped this year will match Microsoft's processing power criteria for AI PCs. Limited software support and scepticism around the usefulness of AI features.
These revolutionary devices incorporate artificial intelligence capabilities, offering improved performance and automated functions.
Unlike ordinary PCs, AI PCs include an additional CPU developed exclusively to speed up AI tasks like personal assistants and automated processes. However, IDC expects that only 3% of PCs shipped this year would match Microsoft's processing power criteria for AI PCs.
To persuade consumers and businesses to invest in these cutting-edge computers, the industry must provide a broader choice of AI PCs and build software that takes full advantage of their superior hardware capabilities. Currently, analysts and reviewers are sceptical about the AI features' practicality. Aside from Microsoft, few software firms have included AI features into their apps designed for these platforms.
Major application developers like as Adobe, Salesforce, and SentinelOne have declined to alter their applications to integrate AI tools directly on the new PCs, instead opting to supply AI features via cloud-based solutions. While some smaller software developers have optimised their apps for on-device AI, some view the existing AI features as gimmicks.
Despite their initial limitations, AI PCs have the potential to spark a wave of higher-cost purchases. Many consumers, businesses, and schools acquired laptops during the first few months of the pandemic but have yet to upgrade. The introduction of AI capabilities will most likely tempt buyers to select more advanced choices.
Early data from market analyst Circana suggests that AI PCs accounted for one-fifth of all computers sold during the launch week. Tech-savvy consumers, particularly content makers, have been fast to adopt these new gadgets, while the general public may still be unaware of their capabilities.
In addition to AI characteristics, AI PCs have longer battery life than conventional laptops running Microsoft's Windows operating system. Qualcomm claims that its more efficient chips, based on Arm Holdings designs, can last for days without needing to be recharged. At this moment, industry expert Avi Greengart believes that the key selling feature of these laptops is battery life, rather than AI capabilities.
However, using alternative chips causes compatibility issues with applications developed for Intel or AMD processors. While popular apps including as Microsoft Office, WhatsApp, and Adobe Photoshop have been optimised for Arm-based systems, many outdated software that organisations currently use may not be supported, restricting workplace usage.
Qualcomm acknowledges the importance of promoting its brand and assisting PC makers with advertising efforts. The corporation is investing more than US$75 million each year to have the Snapdragon processor brand printed on Manchester United Football Club players' jerseys. Furthermore, Qualcomm has raised payments to partners, particularly PC manufacturers, to support marketing efforts.
Despite the difficulties, industry researcher Samik Chatterjee believes Qualcomm will acquire approximately 25% of the AI PC market by 2026. Intel and AMD are also anticipated to launch their own AI PCs later this year, which may have less compatibility difficulties than Arm-based computers.
While AI PCs are expected to expand, IDC expects that they will account for just about 20% of new PC shipments by 2026. The route to mainstream consumer and industry adoption will be gradual.
Tech giants Qualcomm and Microsoft are promoting AI PCs with built-in artificial intelligence capabilities.
Only 3% of PCs shipped this year will meet Microsoft's processing power requirements for AI PCs.
Limited software support and skepticism surround the practicality of AI features.
Source: YAHOO