Microsoft quietly ending ‘Copilot+ PC’ branding for Windows laptops

9to5google.com Sep 26, 2026

Microsoft quietly ending ‘Copilot+ PC’ branding for Windows laptops

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 26, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Microsoft has quietly discontinued the Copilot+ PC branding for its Windows laptops, as confirmed by Surface CVP Brett Ostrum. The label, introduced in 2024 to denote devices meeting specific AI hardware criteria, notably the neural processing unit, has largely been a marketing checkbox. While the new Surface models still support the required AI features, they will no longer carry the Copilot+ designation. The move follows consumer confusion over the Recall feature and a broader shift toward a more unified AI narrative.

💡 Why It Matters

· The rebranding signals Microsoft’s pivot away from fragmented AI labels toward a streamlined, consumer‑friendly approach, potentially reshaping how AI capabilities are marketed across its hardware ecosystem.

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Qualcomm Unveils Early Linux Support for Snapdragon X2 Laptops

Qualcomm announced an Early Developer Preview of Linux for its Snapdragon X2 laptop processors at the Snapdragon Summit in Maui. The preview combines a custom Linux kernel with Debian 13 “Trixie” userspace and targets developers, distro maintainers and hardware enablement engineers. Core components include systemd‑boot, USB, PCIe, and Qualcomm’s Universal Peripheral engine, while graphics support relies on open‑source Mesa drivers Freedreno (OpenGL), Turnip (Vulkan 1.3) and Rusticl (OpenCL). The Hexagon NPU driver is being upstreamed via FastRPC to enable on‑device AI inference. Two build paths are offered: an unregistered option with prebuilt firmware and a registered path requiring a Qualcomm account for full source access. Partners such as HP, ASUS and HUMAIN plan to ship Linux‑enabled X2 laptops in 2027.

💡 Providing upstream Linux drivers for the Hexagon NPU and Adreno GPU gives ARM laptops a credible open‑source AI and graphics foundation, fast‑tracking ecosystem readiness before commercial release.

9to5google.com · Sep 25

Pixelated 118: Googlebook begins

Pixelated episode 118 features hosts Damien and Abner joined by guest Will to evaluate Google’s newly announced laptop series, dubbed the Googlebook. The trio examines the devices’ Android‑based operating system, contrasting its interface, app compatibility and multitasking model with ChromeOS. They note the hardware specifications, such as 13‑inch OLED screens, Intel Core i5 processors, and detachable keyboards, and assess battery life, performance benchmarks, and the integrated Google services ecosystem. The discussion highlights Google’s strategy to expand Android beyond phones and tablets, positioning the Googlebook as a bridge between traditional laptops and Chromebooks. The hosts also outline immediate software updates, developer support, and pricing adjustments they believe are essential for the platform to gain traction in a crowded market today worldwide.

💡 Extending Android to laptops forces developers to create truly cross‑platform apps, reshaping how software reaches users across device categories.

memeburn.com · Sep 25

Best Budget Laptops 2026: 7 Picks That Still Make Sense When RAM…

Apple’s MacBook Neo, now priced at $699 after a June hike, remains the benchmark for budget laptops, even as memory shortages push prices up. IDC projects a 17% rise in average PC prices in 2026, with shipments falling 11.3%, and no relief from the RAM crunch before 2027. The only sub‑$800 model offering 16 GB of RAM is Lenovo’s IdeaPad Slim 3x at $779.99, while budget gaming laptops like the Acer Nitro V 16 AI have slipped above $1,000. The article ranks seven budget laptops, emphasizing RAM, battery life, and screen quality.

💡 The surge in RAM costs reshapes what consumers consider “budget,” forcing buyers to prioritize memory over price. This shift signals a broader industry pivot toward AI‑driven hardware demands.

windowscentral.com · Sep 25

Dell’s XPS 13 proves you don’t have to spend a fortune on…

Sean Endicott, a veteran News Writer at Windows Central, specializes in Windows 11, Surface devices, Microsoft 365, AI, and broader Windows ecosystem coverage. Since joining the site in 2017, he has authored over a thousand articles, ranging from breaking news and analysis to feature pieces and opinion columns. Endicott also curates the weekly “Windows Wrap,” distilling the most significant stories of the week and contextualizing them within the PC landscape. Prior to his full‑time role, he earned a First Class degree in Broadcast Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and worked in journalism and media production, gaining experience in live broadcast environments. Outside tech, he is an award‑winning youth American football coach in Nottingham, recognized as the 2024 BAFCA Youth Coach of the Year.

💡 His dual expertise in fast‑moving tech reporting and live media production gives readers nuanced, timely insight into Microsoft’s evolving ecosystem.

windowscentral.com · Sep 25

The Manchester United Surface Laptop is the greatest laptop of all time

Richard Devine, Managing Editor at Windows Central, dedicates his professional life to covering Windows, PCs, open‑source software, and gaming. He balances a deep immersion in the Windows ecosystem with a strong affinity for the terminal, regularly scouring GitHub for emerging tools and refining Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) workflows to bridge Windows and Linux environments. Devine’s personal gaming routine includes extensive sessions in titles such as The Division 2, Forza Horizon, and Call of Duty, reflecting his commitment to both gameplay and the surrounding community. Through his editorial role, he aims to deliver the latest information, practical utilities, and enhanced user experiences to readers, positioning himself as a conduit between technical developments and everyday PC users.

💡 Devine’s dual focus on enterprise‑grade Windows coverage and grassroots open‑source discovery equips a broad audience with actionable insights that keep both power users and casual gamers ahead of rapid platform changes.

blogs.windows.com · Sep 24

Introducing the next Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch

At the Snapdragon Summit, Microsoft unveiled the next‑generation Surface Pro 12‑inch and Surface Laptop 13‑inch, both powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Plus processor. The devices promise up to 18 % longer battery life, more than 60 % faster graphics, and a 95 % boost in on‑device AI inference, while retaining a fanless, lightweight chassis. The Pro model adds a 25 % brighter 500‑nit PixelSense display, a new black finish, and an AI‑driven Ink Canvas for pen‑first sketching and text summarization. Both units integrate Microsoft’s Windows, Copilot, and 365 suite, and feature a recycled‑content enclosure. Pricing starts at $1,149.99 MSRP, with availability slated for October 13 in select markets.

💡 By marrying high‑performance AI processing with ultra‑portable hardware, Microsoft aims to make advanced productivity tools truly mobile, reducing reliance on cloud latency and enhancing data privacy for on‑the‑go professionals.