Yes, it’s been a long time since I’ve been in the classroom, but I do have several nieces and nephews still in school, and I’ve never seen them use anything but a Chromebook powered by ChromeOS. Microsoft might be changing that, with today’s announcement, they are launching the Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch for educational customers starting July 22nd.
Both of these devices are Copilot+ PCs, enabling both teachers and students to leverage full AI capabilitiesthanks to the NPU processors in each device. Microsoft is also launching an education-centric app, Microsoft Learning Zone, which allows educators to craft lesson plans from sources such as OpenStax, enabling a more interactive classroom.
The announcement doesn’t come without software features, such as the AI tool Click to Do, which allows students to highlight content and receive help from AI. These AI tools are secure and on-device, enabling the students to press the Copilot button and click the content they need assistance with. Accessibility isn’t left behind. Voice Assist helps students navigate content with Live Captions, translated content, and real-time subtitles. The built-in Pluton chip also protects passwords and sensitive data even if the device is stolen. Devices are also kept up to date with automatic Windows Update, making it easier for IT admins as well.
