The Great AI Rethink: Dell Ditches “AI-First” Hype as Consumers Stay Indifferent

On 8 January 2026, the Daily CyberSecurity report argues Dell has ditched the “AI-first” hype as consumers stay indifferent. It notes that Microsoft continues to push the Copilot+PC initiative and work with OEMs to add locally computed artificial intelligence to hardware, while Windows 11 gains AI-centric features.

Despite the rise of PCs with Neural Processing Units, the article claims consumers remain largely unmoved by AI functionalities during purchase, often acquiring such features as an incidental byproduct of modern hardware rather than a deliberate choice. Dell’s restraint in marketing its latest offerings under the AI PC banner is described as a response to the realisation that these capabilities do not significantly influence buying decisions.

The piece highlights that for most buyers, laptop selection still hinges on traditional specs such as CPU and GPU performance, battery life and display quality, with gamers prioritising system fluidity and frame rates over nascent AI utilities. It concludes that Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC strategy faces a tough market frailty unless next-generation AI experiences become the primary driver for upgrades.