Microsoft's Hybrid AI Windows Event and the Surface Laptop Ultra

Microsoft's latest Windows event went all in on hybrid intelligence, which means AI that runs on your own PC when it can and in the cloud when it has to. Steven Scott and Shaun Preece break down what the agentic OS, a smarter Windows search and the new Copilot could mean for blind and screen reader users. They also look at the $2,599 Surface Laptop Ultra.Windows will decide where each AI task runs, using small local models or the cloud depending on the job and your privacy. Microsoft named DeepSeek, Perplexity, Hermes Agent and OpenClaw on stage, and showed a guided setup for agents that needs no terminal or config files. Steven and Shaun explain agents in plain terms: picture a thermostat that keeps working toward your goal without waiting to be told.The new search lets you type what you want, such as changing the volume or a setting. That raises an old question: why are Windows settings still so hard to read with a screen reader? The new Copilot can work with your files on your machine, and Autopilot chains tasks together, like bundling tax documents and drafting the email to your accountant.On the hardware side, the 15-inch Surface Laptop Ultra runs on NVIDIA RTX Spark with up to 128GB of unified memory. Along with the Surface Dev Box, it starts a wider conversation about data centres, more efficient models and why private, on-device AI matters for NDAs, transcription and business data.Steven's tip is to ask your AI assistant which local models your computer can actually run. The hosts also ask whether leaning on AI costs us skills, and remember the time an accidental prompt injection deleted 21 minutes of a show.Chapters0:00 – Intro0:56 – Microsoft's Windows event and hybrid intelligence9:28 – What an agentic OS really means16:01 – New Windows search and settings accessibility21:18 – The new Copilot and Autopilot30:47 – Surface Laptop Ultra and NVIDIA RTX Spark37:31 – Which local AI models can your computer run?41:40 – Coming up: the NASA accessibility webinar43:15 – Copilot+ PCs, the Dev Box and data centres52:50 – Prompt injection mishap and wrap-upRelevant LinksSurface Laptop Ultra: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/devices/surface-laptop-ultraNASA Artemis Webinar for the Blind and Low-Vision Community: https://www.nasa.gov/general/nasa-hosts-virtual-artemis-webinar-for-blind-low-vision-community/Double Tap: https://doubletaponair.com/ ----Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedinSubscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheartAbout Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited."Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.