Intel and AMD-driven Copilot + PCs lag behind Snapdragon-powered counterparts, especially when it comes to experimental features.
Microsoft is introducing a series of new features and improvements for Copilot+ PCs, with a focus on enhancing digital accessibility and streamlining user experiences. However, it's important to note that the rollout of these updates is happening in stages, with some devices experiencing earlier access than others.
Snapdragon X-Powered Copilot+ PCs Lead the Way
Devices with Snapdragon X processors are currently at the forefront of the feature rollout. These systems are receiving updates first, offering features like Modern Standby and Always Connected that are yet to be widely available on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. This prioritization is due to the advanced hardware capabilities of Snapdragon X chips, which enable Copilot+ features to work more seamlessly on these devices [1][2].
Features for AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs on the Horizon
While AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs are currently playing catch-up, they will soon benefit from the same features that Snapdragon-powered PCs are enjoying. The delay in the rollout is primarily because these systems are receiving updates gradually, only after certain major updates (such as Windows 25H2) go into general release [1].
Improved Accessibility and Enhanced Image Descriptions
One of the significant updates coming to Copilot+ PCs is the ability to get detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs. This feature, designed to improve accessibility, can be used for scenarios like getting a quick overview of a graph or a chart [3]. For AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs, the "describe image" action in Click to Do is now rolling out, and for Narrator users, you can press "Ctrl + Narrator key + D" to access this feature [6][7].
Logging Performance Issues and Feedback Hub
Microsoft is also enhancing its approach to handling performance issues on Copilot+ PCs. Logs are now collected when a PC experiences slow or sluggish performance, and these logs are stored locally and sent to Microsoft via Feedback Hub only when feedback is submitted [8]. Users can check the download status of the required models via "Settings > Windows update" [9].
Lock Screen Widget Suggestions and More
Other updates include the introduction of lock screen widget suggestions to help discover more widgets on Copilot+ PCs. To enable or disable this feature, you can use the "Discover widgets" toggle under Settings > Personalization > Lock screen [10].
In conclusion, the staggered rollout of new features and improvements for Copilot+ PCs is a strategic approach aimed at leveraging Snapdragon's hardware capabilities and ensuring that AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs await major Windows feature updates to fully enable the same experiences. This results in Snapdragon-powered PCs having earlier access, while AMD and Intel machines receive them gradually and later [1][2][4].
[1] https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-explains-why-copilot-features-rolling-out-snapdragon-pc-first [2] https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/13/23406237/microsoft-copilot-features-snapdragon-pc-exclusive [3] https://www.windowscentral.com/copilot-pc-gets-image-description-feature-improve-accessibility [4] https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-11-24h2-update-delayed-copilot-pc-features-rollout [5] https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-working-resolve-issues-copilot-pc-features-amd-intel-devices [6] https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/tools-and-resources/narrator [7] https://www.windowscentral.com/copilot-pc-gets-image-description-feature-improve-accessibility [8] https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-collects-performance-logs-feedback-hub [9] https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsforbusiness/security/windows-security-center/windows-update [10] https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-introduces-lock-screen-widget-suggestions-copilot-pc
- The Snapdragon X-powered Copilot+ PCs are currently leading the way in receiving the newest features and improvements from Microsoft, taking advantage of the Modern Standby and Always Connected updates before AMD and Intel systems do.
- The rollout of these features for AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs is happening in stages, with the delay primarily due to the need for these systems to receive updates after major Windows updates like Windows 25H2 have been released.
- An upcoming significant update for Copilot+ PCs includes the option to receive detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs, designed to improve digital accessibility.
- Microsoft is improving the way it handles performance issues on Copilog+ PCs, with logs now being collected when a PC experiences slow performance and sent to Microsoft via Feedback Hub when feedback is submitted.
- In addition, lock screen widget suggestions are being introduced to Copilot+ PCs, helping users discover more widgets, with the Discover widgets toggle control available under Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
- Smartphones and other gadgets utilizing Microsoft technology, such as the Xbox, will not be receiving these same features and improvements directly, as they are primarily focused on Microsoft's line of Copilot+ PCs at this time.
