Laptop makers embraced AI. Then Microsoft left them hanging

Months ago, Microsoft announced that every Windows 11 PC would be an “AI PC”, even the non-Copilot+ ones. Then why was everyone pushing Copilot+ AI PCs at CES 2026? The industry finally caught up to Microsoft’s Copilot+ requirements—with a big NPU push from Intel in particular—but Microsoft didn’t explain why we should care.

I saw a wave of Copilot+ PCs at CES 2026, but it felt like they were chasing an AI PC strategy that Microsoft has already abandoned. With Microsoft now downplaying...