The tech sector is undergoing one of its biggest transformations since the arrival of the smartphone. After decades of linear evolution in personal computer performance, the emergence of AI PCs—devices specifically designed to run artificial intelligence tasks locally—marks the beginning of a new era in personal computing. This shift is no longer a trend, but a reality that accelerates week by week.
Recent launches from Microsoft, Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, along with manufacturers like Lenovo, Dell, and HP, confirm that we are at a turning point. The concept of an “AI computer” is no longer limited to data centers or the cloud. We are now talking about laptops that integrate neural processing units (NPUs), operating systems optimized for generative experiences, and assistants like Copilot, Gemini, Grok, or Claude, functioning in real-time directly from the device.
It’s Not Just Marketing: It’s a Different Architecture
AI PCs are not just computers with smarter software. They represent a deep change in hardware and software architecture. The prominence of NPUs over traditional CPUs is evidence of this. These specialized inference units allow for the execution of AI assistants, automatic translations, image enhancements, or meeting transcriptions without relying on the cloud.
This translates to more privacy, lower latency, and energy efficiency, as well as freeing central servers from unnecessary loads. In a context where digital sustainability has become a strategic goal, executing AI tasks locally is more of a necessity than an option.
From Productivity to Everyday Use
What started as a productivity enhancement is now fully integrating into daily life. It’s no longer just about generating texts with ChatGPT or correcting presentations with Copilot. Now, we are talking about AI PCs that edit video in real-time, automatically reorganize tasks, generate voice summaries on the fly, or translate languages as emails are being written.
And the change isn’t exclusive to Microsoft. Google is advancing with Gemini Nano integrated into Chromebooks and Android, while Apple is preparing its own ecosystem for local generative AI with Apple Intelligence. Meanwhile, Perplexity is exploring the desktop PC model with conversational search engines that could redefine how we browse the internet without leaving the local environment.
A New Market… and a New Dependency
This acceleration, however, also raises critical questions. Who controls the models running on our devices? How will the neutrality and transparency of pre-installed assistants be ensured? What role will app stores play against proprietary models integrated into the operating system?
The economic model is also changing. We are moving from paying for hardware to paying for AI services that update, learn, and get to know us better. Are we willing to turn our personal computers into products partially managed by third parties?
What’s Ahead: Sovereignty, Regulation, and New Experiences
The shift toward AI PCs invites a deeper reflection. In Europe, discussions are already underway about technological sovereignty and the need to have language models trained and executed within the continent. This raises initiatives like PrivateGPT and the need to balance convenience with control.
From the user’s perspective, the shift toward “conversational-first” experiences is inevitable. If mobile phones were the catalyst for ubiquitous access to information, AI PCs will be the catalyst for proactive and predictive interaction. Systems will no longer wait for us to give commands: they will anticipate our needs.
Conclusion
The transition to AI PCs is not a fad. It is a new technological paradigm that redefines what it means to own a personal computer. The rules of the game have changed: now, the ability to execute AI locally will measure a modern device. Tech companies have already taken their positions. Now it’s up to the market—and the users—to decide how and to what extent they want to embrace this new era.
Will we be ready?