Justin Long, the actor best known for his portrayal of the ‘I’m a Mac’ character in Apple’s iconic TV commercials, has made a surprise appearance in a video ad for Qualcomm. In the ad, Long is seen searching for a Snapdragon-powered PC to replace his MacBook, marking a departure from his previous association with Apple. This unexpected move reignites the long-standing rivalry between Mac and PC, with Qualcomm positioning itself as a challenger to Apple’s dominance in the personal computing market.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon-powered Windows on Arm PCs are touted to offer several advantages over traditional Intel-based Macs. The ad subtly highlights potential improvements in app compatibility, battery life, and overall performance, implying that these new devices may give Macs a run for their money. Microsoft has also made significant claims and released benchmarks for the new Copilot+ PCs, bolstering Qualcomm’s challenge to Apple’s ecosystem.
In terms of app compatibility, Qualcomm and Microsoft have secured support from major software developers, including Zoom, Adobe Lightroom, and Google Chrome, which have recompiled their apps for ARM architecture. Microsoft confidently claims that 90% of user time will be spent on native apps, ensuring a seamless experience for users. For the remaining apps, Microsoft’s Prism emulator is said to be as efficient as Apple’s Rosetta 2.
Battery life is another area where Qualcomm and Microsoft aim to outshine Apple. During the Computex keynote, Microsoft showcased the new Surface Copilot+ PC lasting an impressive 16 hours and 56 minutes of web browsing, significantly surpassing the performance of its Intel-based predecessors. This extended battery life could be a major selling point for users who prioritize mobility and extended usage time.
A number of new Copilot+ PCs, including the new Surface laptop, are set to be released on June 18th. The launch of these devices will mark a significant milestone in the re-emerging Mac-PC rivalry. Consumers and industry experts alike will be eagerly observing the performance and reception of these new PCs, as the battle for supremacy in the personal computing market heats up once again. The return of Justin Long as the ‘PC guy’ and the capabilities of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon-powered PCs have certainly set the stage for an exciting chapter in the ongoing Mac-PC saga.
