Microsoft Retires Copilot Plus as Google Readies Gemini 4

Two AI resets show how quickly hardware branding and model leadership can change.

🤖 Microsoft Retires the Copilot Plus PC Label

Decoded: Microsoft is dropping the Copilot Plus PC name from new Surface hardware that still meets the technical requirements, according to The Verge. Surface executive Brett Ostrom said the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop are not being called Copilot Plus PCs, while Qualcomm executive Kedar Kondap said comparable machines will probably stop using the branding. The Verge also reported that Microsoft is preparing flagship hardware using Nvidia chips ahead of an October 7 event on local AI. Source: https://www.theverge.com/tech/1000495/microsoft-is-killing-off-the-copilot-plus-pc-brand

Why it matters: The retreat separates demand for on-device AI silicon from the success of a consumer label. Microsoft, Qualcomm and Nvidia now have to prove local AI through applications and upgrade cycles, not a badge.

🤖 Google Says Gemini 4 Is Nearing Release

Decoded: Google DeepMind chief Koray Kavukcuoglu said Gemini 4 is in refinement and is targeted for release much earlier than year-end, The Verge reported. Google has not launched a new flagship model since Gemini 3 in November 2025; Kavukcuoglu said the company stepped back from a planned Gemini 3.5 Pro release to prioritize faster Flash models. Source: https://www.theverge.com/tech/999802/google-deepmind-gemini-4-timeline-koray-kavukcuoglu

Why it matters: A faster flagship cadence could narrow the performance gap with OpenAI and Anthropic while strengthening the economics of Google Cloud and the Gemini product stack. Execution timing matters more than roadmap language.

Stay decoded. See you tomorrow.

— The Get AI Decoded Team