Device selection is often seen as a routine IT decision, but AI-capable hardware changes what’s possible. AI-capable devices enable new levels of efficiency, collaboration, and productivity. Choosing the right hardware shapes how businesses handle data, streamline workflows, and build a foundation for future success.

David Stoeckel, Director of Program Management for Surface CXP Engineering at Microsoft, emphasizes a multi-faceted approach to evaluating Copilot+ PCs. "You have to think about it on three levels: the baseline capabilities of the device itself, the core components of Windows like captions and translation, and then the custom functionalities businesses can build on top of that," Stoeckel explained. This strategic framework allows enterprises to make choices that drive long-term, transformational impact.

Real-time productivity: Not just faster, but smarter

PCs with neural processing units (NPUs) can handle tasks such as transcription, translation, and video enhancement locally, supporting fluid experiences and new AI use cases. Industries with strict data controls, such as healthcare and finance, gain more flexibility in how they deploy AI.

Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft Surface integrate these capabilities into thoughtfully engineered, enterprise-ready devices. They offer immediate benefits by handling complex tasks locally, reducing latency and enhancing real-time decision-making. This enables new types of computing that were previously impractical or impossible on local machines.

For example, they can perform real-time transcription and translation on-device, opening doors for fields such as healthcare, finance, and government where data privacy concerns restrict the use of cloud-based solutions. As Stoeckel points out, "We see doctors using these devices to transcribe patient conversations locally, supporting data privacy without compromising on functionality. Or think of a financial consultant sitting with a client, capturing and developing strategies on the spot—no waiting for external servers to process requests.”

These capabilities complement rather than replace cloud-based AI, supporting use cases in which it is unfeasible to send data to the cloud, or where keeping it local can accelerate time to value. Surface Copilot+ PCs handle such workloads directly, meeting specific compliance requirements while capitalizing on the latest advancements.

Solving business challenges: putting the focus on AI-optimized workflows

Surface Copilot+ PCs enable businesses to rethink workflows and tasks that require real-time data processing, predictive analytics, or highly customized experiences. The ability to run models on-device presents new opportunities to innovate.

The NPU architecture in Surface Copilot+ PCs enables local processing of machine learning and predictive analytics models with low latency. This capability supports use cases like predictive maintenance in manufacturing and on-device fraud detection in financial services, where real-time data analysis can drive faster, more responsive decision-making.

Stoeckel underscores the importance of custom development in this space: "The third pillar I mentioned—what software vendors and businesses build on top of the platform—has huge potential value. This is where companies can tailor capabilities to fit their unique workflows." Enterprises can use Copilot+ PCs to develop proprietary applications that offer competitive advantages, whether through faster decision-making, more personalized customer experiences, or highly specific data models built for niche use cases.

Driving innovation with hybrid AI

Cloud-based platforms remain critical to driving AI business value. Businesses rely on them for running large models and executing complex workflows. But some AI tasks benefit from running on-device, whether to maintain control over sensitive data, meet compliance requirements, or reduce dependency on cloud connectivity. Workloads like real-time transcription, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven personalization may also be more responsive when processed locally, depending on network conditions and infrastructure.

A hybrid AI model gives organizations the flexibility to balance these needs. Copilot+ PCs allow businesses to run AI applications locally for real-time insights and personalized recommendations while relying on the cloud for intensive processing and the latest models.

This approach lets organizations deploy AI in the way that best aligns with their security, performance, and operational priorities. With Copilot+ PCs, companies can refine AI-powered workflows, deciding where to process data based on business requirements rather than technical limitations. This flexibility supports both immediate productivity and long-term advancement.

The future: seamless integration and innovation without limits

Stoeckel expects the line between cloud and local AI to fade. "In the future, the interaction between what's done locally on the device and what's done in the cloud will be seamless. You'll have the flexibility to choose where to run workloads based on cost, performance, and privacy requirements," he says.

As AI infrastructure evolves, businesses will have more freedom to fine-tune where and how they process data. Some workloads will always benefit from cloud scale, while others will run more efficiently on-device. This flexibility will shape how companies build and deploy AI-driven solutions.

Why choose Surface as the foundation of your AI device strategy?

Surface devices enhance AI value through thoughtfully designed experiences that enrich every interaction. Depending on the device, this can include precision inking, vibrant touchscreens, and customizable touchpads for natural input. High-quality cameras and microphones work with AI to improve collaboration, while precision-engineered keyboards make typing more comfortable and ergonomic.

Security empowers organizations to run AI workloads with confidence, protecting data while driving performance. With Surface Copilot+ PCs, Secured-core PC technology strengthens defenses against firmware attacks, while hardware-based protection using Microsoft Pluton or TPM safeguards sensitive information. Strong and seamless authentication options like biometrics and NFC help ensure only authorized users can access applications and data.

Device strategy will separate leaders from followers

Choosing the right devices has always shaped business productivity, but with AI workloads running on-device, this decision now carries far greater weight. Copilot+ PCs from Surface provide a foundation for businesses to process data faster, maintain security, and integrate AI into daily workflows without cloud dependence.

Whether improving collaboration, automating routine tasks, or enabling real-time decision-making, these devices support a shift toward AI-powered work. Organizations that think strategically about hardware today will be in the strongest position to drive innovation and efficiency in the years ahead.

In the end, AI PCs are a catalyst for business transformation. For companies willing to explore their full potential, the opportunities are significant. By starting now, businesses can get ahead of the curve, building the infrastructure and workflows necessary to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.  

To learn more read the eBook: Drive business resilience with AI PCs.