Expert Insights: AI PCs and your technology strategy with Microsoft, Intel, and Forrester
Workplace AI is becoming as common as word processors and spreadsheets. And tangible AI benefits like better decision-making, increased productivity, and better security will soon become must-haves for every business. Early movers have an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage with AI adoption. But doing so requires a strategic approach to device choice that leverages technological advancements early—such as laptops and 2-in-1s with breakthrough AI capabilities. These devices are now easy for any business to obtain in the form of AI PCs from Microsoft Surface. Because they contain a new kind of processor called an NPU, they can run AI experiences directly on the device. Just as CPU and GPU work together to run business applications, the NPU adds power-efficient AI processing for new and potentially game-changing experiences that complement those delivered from the cloud. In a recent Microsoft webinar with experts from Forrester and Intel, leaders discussed how a thoughtful AI device strategy fuels operational success and positions organizations for sustained growth. In this blog post, we’ll examine a few key areas of AI device strategy. For more, watch the full webinar here: How device choice impacts your AI adoption strategy Focusing on high-impact roles An effective AI device strategy requires organizations to identify roles that gain the most value from AI capabilities. Data-centric functions—such as developers, analysts, and creative teams—depend on high-speed data processing, and AI-ready devices help these employees manage complex workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and visualize data-driven insights in real time. Choosing AI-enabled endpoints is not just about the NPU. High-resolution displays and optimized screen ratios, for example, support high-impact roles by providing ample workspace for AI-assisted analysis, modeling, and design work. Starting with on-device AI for these functions helps drive rapid value and motivates other teams to see the potential in AI-powered workflows. The phased rollout of AI devices builds a foundation for broader AI integration. Data governance remains central to technology’s advantage Data privacy and security enable confident adoption of AI tools. One benefit of devices with NPUs is that they allow AI to be used in scenarios where sending data to the cloud is not feasible. It’s also important to consider the general security posture enabled by a device. Hardware-based security features such as TPM 2.0 and biometric authentication help protect device integrity, supporting AI usage within a secure framework. With built-in protections that include hardware encryption, secure user authentication options, and advanced firmware defenses, AI-enabled devices create a trusted environment that upholds privacy standards and aligns with organizational compliance requirements. Choosing devices like Microsoft Surface that fit seamlessly into a wide range of device management setups supports faster adoption and reduces risk. Balancing advanced AI features with stable performance AI-enabled devices bring unique processing capabilities that don’t compromise the reliability of core functions. Specialized processors dedicated to AI workloads manage intensive tasks without drawing from the main CPU, preserving battery life and maintaining consistent performance. This balanced approach supports both advanced AI capabilities and essential day-to-day operations, providing employees with stable, responsive tools that adapt to their needs. AI-driven interactions, like responsive touch, intuitive inking, and enhanced image processing, further improve user experience. High-quality cameras and intelligent audio capture, for instance, optimize interactions in virtual meetings and collaboration, making these devices versatile and effective across different work scenarios. By focusing on the user experience, organizations empower teams to take full advantage of technology without a steep learning curve. Aligning IT and business goals for an effective AI strategy A strong AI device strategy brings together IT priorities and broader business objectives. While IT teams focus on security, manageability, and integration with existing infrastructure, business leaders aim to increase efficiency and support innovation. Aligning these goals enables a smooth AI adoption process, allowing organizations to leverage AI’s capabilities while meeting essential technical requirements. Strategically investing in devices with integrated security and manageability features, such as remote management of device settings and firmware updates, gives IT greater control over deployment and maintenance. This integrated approach allows organizations to keep their AI device strategy aligned with long-term goals, reducing the need for costly upgrades and enabling teams to work within a secure, adaptable tech environment. Supporting employee workflows with AI tools AI-enabled devices enhance productivity by automating repetitive tasks and giving employees more time to focus on high-value work. Tools like intelligent personal assistants and voice-driven commands support employees by streamlining tasks that would otherwise require manual effort. Enhanced typing experiences and personalized touch interactions improve user engagement, making AI tools easier to integrate into everyday workflows. With customizable features and inclusive design options, AI-enabled devices make advanced technology accessible to all team members, increasing satisfaction and reducing turnover. By enabling employees to focus on higher-level work, organizations can create an environment that supports meaningful productivity and helps retain talent. Proactive IT management with AI-driven insights Beyond the device, AI also offers new capabilities for device management, allowing IT teams to proactively monitor and resolve potential issues. By analyzing device usage patterns, AI can detect anomalies early, enabling IT to address risks before they impact employees. This shift from reactive to proactive management improves device reliability and reduces downtime, freeing IT resources to focus on broader strategic initiatives. Integrated AI security tools also improve protection, identifying threats as they emerge and securing devices with minimal manual intervention. With insights derived from AI-driven monitoring, IT teams can maintain secure, reliable systems that enhance overall operational stability. Crafting a forward-looking AI device strategy A structured AI device strategy prioritizes both immediate and long-term ROI by examining where new technology can have the greatest impact while also enhancing existing capabilities. By acting early, organizations position themselves to gain speed with AI and adopt the latest advancements as they are released. Whether you’re beginning with AI or looking to expand its role, a well-designed AI device strategy keeps your organization prepared for growth. To explore how AI-enabled devices can drive your team’s success, gain insights from experts at Forrester and Intel by watching the webinar: How device choice impacts your AI adoption strategy.Microsoft 365 Champions community call | October 2024 | AM
Get up-to-speed on the latest Microsoft Lists innovation and how it helps keep your sanity intact when tracking information. Be it in the early creation phase or in an ongoing flow of managing status and keeping everyone in sync - learn how to go from not-in-the-know to PRO! We'll cover updates and insights across the Lists app, mobile value, Power Platform integration, within Teams collab, and more. Expect lots of demos of the latest features grounded in scenarios that resonate with everyone. Plus, lots of time for Q&A throughout + updated roadmap info on what's coming next. Learn more about Microsoft Lists: https://aka.ms/MSLists. Host: Tiffany Lee Guests: Mark Kashman and Nate Tennant Moderator: Jessie Hwang Each call includes live Q&A, where you can ask questions about Microsoft 365. To ask questions during the call, post them via "Comments" on this page below. There, too, was the PM option: https://aka.ms/M365ChampionCallPM. Champions combine technical acumen with people skills to drive meaningful change. Join the Microsoft 365 Champion program today: https://aka.ms/M365Champions. Note: If you are unable to watch the recording on YouTube, try watching it here.Microsoft 365 Champions community call | October 2024 | PM
Get up-to-speed on the latest Microsoft Lists innovation and how it helps keep your sanity intact when tracking information. Be it in the early creation phase or in an ongoing flow of managing status and keeping everyone in sync - learn how to go from not-in-the-know to PRO! We'll cover updates and insights across the Lists app, mobile value, Power Platform integration, within Teams collab, and more. Expect lots of demos of the latest features grounded in scenarios that resonate with everyone. Plus, lots of time for Q&A throughout + updated roadmap info on what's coming next. Learn more about Microsoft Lists: https://aka.ms/MSLists. Host: Tiffany Lee Guests: Mark Kashman and Nate Tennant Moderator: Jessie Hwang Each call includes live Q&A, where you can ask questions about Microsoft 365. To ask questions during the call, post them via "Comments" on this page below. You can now review and engage within questions that were posted during the event; new comments are now off for this past event. Champions combine technical acumen with people skills to drive meaningful change. Join the Microsoft 365 Champion program today: https://aka.ms/M365Champions. Note: If you are unable to watch the recording on YouTube, try watching it here.Unlock Outlook Productivity with Snooze and new Calendar Scheduling with Copilot
Hey everyone, welcome back! If you're looking to supercharge your productivity, especially with Outlook, you're in the right place. Today, we're diving into some really cool and amazing features in Outlook that can help you stay on top of your game. Snooze Feature in Outlook First up, let's explore the Snooze feature in Outlook. This feature has been around for a while, but it's perfect for those moments when you need to temporarily set aside emails. Whether you're at an event and need to push emails back until you return, or you just need to prioritize your inbox, the Snooze feature is incredibly useful. For example, I often use it when my workload is packed. I can snooze an email until next Monday at 9:00 a.m., which is my focus time. This way, the email is removed from my inbox, helping me stay focused on my current tasks. If you're wondering where the email goes, it will pop back into your inbox at the scheduled time. You can also view all your snoozed emails in the Snooze folder and unsnooze them if needed. This feature is great for maintaining an organized and prioritized inbox. How to Use the Snooze Feature: Open Outlook and go to your inbox. Select the email you want to snooze. Click the Snooze button (clock icon) at the top of the ribbon. Choose a predefined time or select Pick a date to set a custom time. The email will be removed from your inbox and reappear at the scheduled time. To view snoozed emails, go to the Snoozed folder on the left sidebar. Scheduling with Copilot Next, let's talk about scheduling with Copilot. This feature is a game-changer for managing your calendar. When I first joined Microsoft, I found it overwhelming to network and establish new relationships. That's when I discovered this powerful tool. For instance, if I receive an email from a colleague and need to have a broader conversation, I can use the "Schedule with Copilot" feature. It automatically schedules time with the colleague, finds available slots, and even creates an agenda for the meeting. This helps ensure that everyone is prepared and knows what to expect. It's a fantastic way to streamline scheduling and make meetings more efficient. How to Schedule with Copilot: Open the email from the person you want to schedule a meeting with. Click the Schedule with Copilot button at the top of the ribbon. Select Schedule with Copilot. Copilot will find available times for both you and the other person. Review the suggested times and agenda, then click Send to schedule the meeting. Upcoming Feature: Scheduling 1-on-1 Meetings with Copilot Lastly, I want to give you a sneak peek at an exciting upcoming feature: scheduling 1-on-1 meetings with Copilot. This feature is expected to roll in December and January and will make scheduling individual meetings even easier. Copilot understands the context of your emails and can look at both your calendar and the other person's calendar to find the best time for a meeting. After opening the event Copilot created you can even use Copilot to draft an agenda based on the email content, ensuring that your meetings are productive and focused. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining regular check-ins and building strong working relationships. How to Schedule 1-on-1 Meetings with Copilot: Open Outlook and select the Copilot icon at the top right. Enter your prompt to Schedule a 1-on-1 meeting. Enter the name of the person you want to meet with. Copilot will find available times for both of you. Review the suggested times and agenda, then click Send to schedule the meeting. I hope you find these features as exciting and useful as I do. They have certainly helped me become more efficient and organized in my daily work. Whether you're looking to prioritize your inbox, streamline your scheduling, or prepare for upcoming features, Outlook has the tools you need to boost your productivity. Thanks for reading, and I hope these tips help you make the most of Outlook. Have a great day, and I'll talk to you later!🎙️Podcast: Microsoft Ignite E03
🎙️#Podcast: Microsoft Ignite E03 I had an incredible time chatting with @liorbela.bsky.social in my latest #MSignite podcast episode, where we delved into key highlights from Microsoft Ignite 2024 and exciting developments in the Intune world #msintune Youtube: https://youtu.be/mnxHRLz3EMg?si=pab6wByZpQ2tnf5PMondays at Microsoft | Episode 40
NOW ON DEMAND Kickoff 2025 with Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook. They set the stage for what Modern Work and security news, events, and community opportunities await you in the new calendar year. Now available to watch on demand (original air date: January 13, 2025). Show notes and links to all that was shared and discussed during this episode: Visit Disaster Assistance: https://disasterassistance.gov Read more from our Vice Chair and President Brad Smith, “The Golden Opportunity for American AI”: https://lnkd.in/g3SMrQGz "6 #AI trends you’ll see more of in 2025" by Paul Nyhan — https://aka.ms/2025AITrends. "Taking legal action to protect the public from abusive AI-generated content" by Steven Masada — https://aka.ms/AI-LegalAction. Join us for the "SharePoint - From Concept to Creation to Impact" event online on January 29, 2025, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM PST: https://aka.ms/SharePointEvent. "Announcing mandatory multifactor authentication for the Microsoft 365 admin center" by Samer Baroudi — https://aka.ms/MandatoryMultiFactor. "Less burnout, more impact: AI continues to transform frontline efficiency" by Barbara Kim — https://aka.ms/FrontlineEfficiency. "The future of retail with Dynamics 365 AI-powered ERP solutions" by Stephanie Dart — https://aka.ms/FutureofRetail. "Unlock new possibilities by customizing Copilot chat in your apps with Copilot Studio (Preview)" by Hemant Gaur — https://aka.ms/CopilotStudio/ChatExtensibility. Let everyone know about Mondays at Microsoft: https://aka.ms/MondaysAtMicrosoft. And, subscribe to the Community News Desk: https://aka.ms/CommunityNewsDesk. Learn more about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative (MGCI): https://aka.ms/MGCI. Review the list of newly minted regional directors: https://aka.ms/MGCIAdvisors. Find your next event on https://www.communitydays.org – including the new Community Calls page: https://www.communitydays.org/calls. Until next time. Our next show is Monday, January 27th at 8:00 AM PST. See you there.
Surface Hub 3
Good afternoon I ran into an issue with the surface hub; so I'm attempting to cast the screen from my surface hub to multiple monitors (TV/Displays) and I'm not finding an option to. Where can I find the options menu to cast to an external display? I've found that there's an accessory that does it (I think a wireless adapter?) is there a way to connect without the need to cord connections? Thank you!Mondays at Microsoft | Episode 36
Another "Mondays at Microsoft" coming your way! Karuana Gatimu & Heather Cook will focus on AI in aviation, measuring AI performance, overview LLMs, discuss Microsoft 365 Copilots agents in SharePoint, plus highlight upcoming community events, and more. Join LIVE Monday, October 21, 2024, 8:00am PDT. See you soon! #CommunityLuv 💝 Oct. 21 agenda, plus links to learn more: Insights from the fifth annual Microsoft Digital Defense Report. AI in Aviation: Introduction of a new industry reference architecture for airlines and airports. Measurement in AI: Discussion on the importance of measuring AI performance. AI for Water Conservation: Highlighting an AI tool developed by FIDO Tech to detect and prioritize water leaks. Overview of large language models (LLMs) and their applications. Introduction of Copilot agents in SharePoint. New updates for Pipelines in Power Platform, including custom pipelines host. To learn more about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative - a meeting place for all who are part of the Microsoft Community ecosystem, all are welcome: https://aka.ms/MGCI We launched a new page listing our newly minted regional directors. https://aka.ms/MGCIAdvisors So many great events coming up and all available to check out on www.communitydays.org + its community calls page. FYI | Microsoft Ignite | November 19-22, 2024, in Chicago, USA – https://ignite.microsoft.com FYI | Our next episode of Mondays at Microsoft is November 4th; check our show page for more.Mondays at Microsoft | Episode 35
NOW ON DEMAND | Get ready for the week with "Mondays at Microsoft" - this time *on Tuesday*! Karuana Gatimu & Heather Cook will focus on Trustworthy AI, new Copilot features, fighting deepfakes, Office 2024 release update, plus highlight upcoming community events, and more. Aired Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, 8:00am PDT. See you there! #CommunityLuv 💝 Show notes & links to all that was shared and discussed on October 8th, 2024: "Microsoft Trustworthy AI: Unlocking human potential starts with trust" by Takeshi Numoto. Live from the Microsoft AI Tour: Mexico City - https://aka.ms/MicrosoftAITourLive. Copilot is an AI companion for everyone, with new Vision and Voice features. "Fighting deepfakes with more transparency about AI" by Vanessa Ho. "Office 2024 for consumers available October 1" by Bryan Rognier — https://aka.ms/Office2024. "Microsoft recognized as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Desktop as a Service for the second year in a row" by Stefan Kinnestrand. Power Apps Pulse video series hosted by April Dunnam + What's new in Power Apps. "European Fabric Community Conference 2024: Building an AI-powered data platform" by Arun Ulagaratchagan + "Activate your data responsibly in the era of AI with Microsoft Purview" by Rudra Mitra. To learn more about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative - a meeting place for all who are part of the Microsoft Community ecosystem, all are welcome: https://aka.ms/MGCI. We launched a new page listing our newly minted regional directors: https://aka.ms/MGCIAdvisors. "Get ready for the 2025 Microsoft Imagine Cup: Let the innovation begin!" by the Student Developer Evangelism Team. Find your next event: https://CommunityDays.org Community Days speakerboard – https://communitydays.org/speakerboard Microsoft Ignite | November 19-22, 2024, in Chicago, IL, USA. In person is sold out. Online is open to all - register today. Join us for the next episode of Mondays at Microsoft (this one back on Monday) with Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook on Monday, October 21st, 8:00am PDT. Check out our page for our show and Community Studio efforts at https://aka.ms/MondaysAtMicrosoft.Mondays at Microsoft | Episode 37
Kickstart November 2024 with the goodness of community news and events. Your co-hosts, Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook, along with security expert, Virginia Bryant, present the next informative "Mondays at Microsoft" (episode 37), aired live on Monday, Nov. 4th, 2024. Show notes and links to all that was shared and discussed during this episode: Jay Parikh joins the senior leadership at Microsoft: https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2024/10/31/microsoft-names-jay-parikh-as-a-member-of-the-senior-leadership-team/ Midnight Blizzard conducts large-scale spear-phishing campaign using RDP files: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2024/10/29/midnight-blizzard-conducts-large-scale-spear-phishing-campaign-using-rdp-files/ With Microsoft 365 Copilot agents, Pets at Home unleashes an AI revolution leveraging the Azure platform – https://aka.ms/PetsAtHome. Microsoft builds first datacenters with wood to slash carbon emissions – https://aka.ms/LowCarbonDatacenters. Microsoft's goal: By 2030, it would be “carbon negative” – meaning it would take more carbon out of the atmosphere than it emits. And by 2050 it would remove from the atmosphere the equivalent of all the carbon the company has emitted since its founding in 1975. "Streamline collaboration with the new chat and channels experience in Microsoft Teams" by Jeff Teper - https://aka.ms/Teams/NewChatChannels/Blog. Review the "Meet the Makers" episode with Teams leadership: https://aka.ms/Teams/NewChatChannels/MeetTheMakers. Join our Teams chat and channels AMA next Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 10am PST: https://aka.ms/Teams/NewChatChannels/AMA. "Microsoft 365 Copilot drove up to 353% ROI for small and medium businesses—new study" by Brenna Robinson – https://aka.ms/Copilot/SMB/ROIstudy. Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2024 – https://aka.ms/DigitalDefenseReport2024. "2024 release wave 2 plans for Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Power Platform now available " by Ryan Darby Martin - https://aka.ms/Dynamics365/2024ReleaseWave2. Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich Learn To... Use AI and Know AI Limitations (Episode 3) - https://aka.ms/ScottAndMarkLearnTo/Ep3. "Fabric Influencers Spotlight October 2024" by Rie Merritt - https://aka.ms/Fabric/InfluencersSpotlight. Find your next event: https://CommunityDays.org. Microsoft Ignite | November 19-22, 2024, in Chicago, USA – https://ignite.microsoft.com. Check the #ESPC24 event guide: https://aka.ms/ESPC2024/EventGuide by Heather Cook.
