Moves by major technology companies targeting local, on-device AI that runs on standard hardware are accelerating, with Microsoft joining Nvidia in an aggressive push. Microsoft unveiled a new Surface Laptop Ultra with Nvidia AI chips and highlighted “hybrid intelligence” that splits AI work between PCs and the cloud. Nvidia introduced a 64GB DGX Spark configuration. Competition is also intensifying in personal AI agents, as startups raise funding and companies roll out new models, platforms and acquisitions.

Microsoft unveiled its new Surface Laptop Ultra at an event in San Francisco, featuring an Nvidia AI chip. The laptop is now available for preorder and will begin shipping on Oct. 16, with prices starting at $2,599. It includes one magnetic USB-C port similar to Apple MagSafe and two standard USB-C ports. Microsoft said it is designed to run more AI tasks on-device. Executives also discussed Nvidia GPU performance and Meta’s planned Windows AI agent.