Microsoft and Qualcomm are betting big on new computers with artificial intelligence, including Copilot+ computers, which have a built-in chip for processing AI-based tasks. However, according to a new report from Bloomberg, there is still skepticism about this idea.

Only 3% of computers to be shipped this year will meet the computing power threshold set by Microsoft to be considered AI computers. However, for such devices to cease to be a niche product, manufacturers need to offer a wider range, and software developers need to utilize this capacity to the fullest.

However, there are already problems with the software, as the capacity of individual chips for artificial intelligence is still hardly used. Companies such as Adobe, Salesforce, and SentinelOne have refused to redesign their tools for local use and have instead opted for a cloud-based solution.

Nevertheless, a Microsoft spokesperson said that software developers have “shown great enthusiasm” in creating programs to use the new hardware, and user feedback on the new devices has been “overwhelming.”

Qualcomm also has high hopes for new computers. The company claims to be ready to challenge Intel’s dominance in the field of computer processors. HP and Dell, in turn, hope that new AI computers will spark user interest, but to do so, they need to ensure that the performance of these computers matches their marketing.

An HP spokesperson said that the company is working with software vendors to create new capabilities for AI computers while promoting existing features such as real-time translation.

Dell founder and CEO Mike Dell believes that AI computers have the potential to increase the number of purchases of more expensive computers.

“Do you want to buy a PC that is not capable of doing those AI things that you’ll want to do in the future? I don’t think so,” Dell said.

Despite skepticism, there are also signs of success. Computers with artificial intelligence, or Copilot+, which started appearing in June, accounted for one fifth of all PCs sold. While tech-savvy consumers engaged in content creation are more likely to switch to new devices, consumers who are not as interested in technology are still “confused” about the need for such machines.

Other advantages of the new computers using Qualcomm chips include their greater battery life. According to the company, its ARM-based chips can provide days of operation without additional recharging. One Techsponential analyst noted that the key advantage of the new devices is their battery life, not their artificial intelligence functions.

Returning to the topic of software, in addition to the adaptation of local AI functions, ARM computers also suffer from the fact that not all developers have adapted their programs for the architecture. Outdated software is still in use at many enterprises, so the inability to use certain software is a big element of restraining the popularity of AI computers.

The new AI computers are also 48% more expensive than non-AI options, and Intel and AMD are also preparing to release their own AI computers, which will have much fewer problems, as they will not require developers to create programs for the new platform.