The author suggests that businesses should be wary of the vendor lock-in and loss of control that comes with these AI-powered PCs, and instead invest in open, interoperable solutions. The article also calls for coordinated efforts to build and promote open hardware and software alternatives to the tech giants' offerings, and highlights the work of organizations like FUTO (Fund for Universal Technology Openness) in supporting the development of open technologies.
Key takeaways:
- Microsoft's Copilot+ PCs represent a shift towards AI-driven, cloud-dependent computing models, which could erode user control and privacy.
- Big Tech's lobbying power has increased significantly, making it harder for regulators to control anti-competitive practices.
- For businesses, the rise of AI-powered PCs like Microsoft’s Copilot+ line represents a double-edged sword, offering enhanced productivity but at the cost of vendor lock-in and potential security risks.
- Organizations like FUTO (Fund for Universal Technology Openness) are working to support the development of open technologies and user-respecting software, offering a potential counterbalance to the dominance of tech giants.