Updated

Microsoft and Qualcomm appear to be phasing out the 'Copilot Plus PC' branding introduced roughly two and a half years ago to designate AI-capable Windows machines, according to Windows Central reporting tied to new Surface Pro and Surface laptop models. Separately, Microsoft is restructuring its communications operations, moving the group out of marketing and into its Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs division under vice chair Brad Smith, as chief communications officer Frank Shaw departs later this year. The branding retreat suggests Microsoft is rethinking how it markets AI hardware capability, while the leadership shuffle signals a broader realignment of how the company manages its public messaging.