Microsoft Announces Surface Laptop Ultra With Nvidia RTX Spark Chip
Microsoft held a major Windows and Surface keynote in San Francisco, showcasing its builder-class laptop powered by Nvidia alongside updates to Copilot and Windows search.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
Surface Laptop Ultra Pricing and Release Details
Microsoft has officially detailed the release date and pricing for the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/1006378/microsoft-surface-laptop-ultra-pricing-release-date">Surface Laptop Ultra</a> following its initial teaser earlier this year. The builder-class laptop will launch on October 16th, with configurations starting at $2,599 for a base model equipped with an 8-core CPU, 24GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Pre-orders for the machine opened following an event held <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2279642/microsoft-windows-surface-event-2026-live-blog-nvidia-rtx-spark-laptop-ultra/">today at an event in San Francisco</a>.
Designed primarily for developers, creators, and AI researchers, the machine is positioned as a competitor to high-end MacBook Pros. The hardware lineup includes options featuring up to a 20-core CPU, user-upgradable storage, and up to 128GB of unified memory. Alongside the laptop, Microsoft also introduced the Surface RTX Dev Box mini PC, which is available for pre-order starting at $5,999 ahead of shipping in November.
Hardware Specifications and Nvidia RTX Spark Integration
At the core of the new system is the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2184558/nvidia-rtx-spark-chip-windows-pcs/">NVIDIA RTX Spark chip</a>, marking Nvidia's entry into Arm-based PC processors. The hardware enables the laptop to deliver up to one petaflop of FP4 AI compute alongside performance tailored for creative software, local AI tasks, and gaming.
The device features a 15-inch mini-LED PixelSense Ultra touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio, supporting a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits. The chassis measures 18mm thick, weighs less than 4.5 pounds, and includes an aluminum build available in platinum and nightfall. Connectivity options include USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, a 3.5mm audio jack, a full-size SD card reader, and built-in magnetic USB-C charging.
Windows Updates and Hybrid Intelligence for Copilot
During the keynote, Microsoft outlined new capabilities coming to Windows through a concept called "Hybrid Intelligence." This approach allows applications and tools like Copilot to combine local AI models and cloud computing to manage complex workflows efficiently.
An updated Copilot system will gain permission-based access to local files on users' PCs, enabling the AI assistant to perform actions across the operating system. During a stage demonstration, Microsoft illustrated an automated workflow where Copilot retrieved documents from local folders, organized them, and drafted an email attachment to an accountant.
Expanded Windows Search and Developer Ecosystem
Microsoft also announced enhancements to the Windows search experience, scheduled to roll out this fall. The updated search bar allows users to execute quick actions directly from the taskbar, such as taking screenshots, adjusting system volume, changing dark mode settings, and sending text messages.
To support the broader artificial intelligence ecosystem, developers will have access to the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, alongside new software tools designed to facilitate local execution of AI agents on Windows platforms.
Sources
- The VergeEverything announced at Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Ultra event
- EngadgetHere's everything we know about Microsoft's Surface Laptop Ultra
- EngadgetEverything announced at Microsoft's Windows and Surface event
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