Microsoft will get a boost from Azure and Copilot, Stifel says

Microsoft has announced that its Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) technology is now available on Intel-based Copilot+ PCs. This marks an expansion from the technology's previous compatibility with Qualcomm Snapdragon X processors. Auto SR is designed to improve gaming frame rates, particularly for games that struggle to reach a playable frame rate.

The technology utilizes the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) built into every Copilot+ PC. It employs pre-trained AI algorithms to render games at a higher effective resolution while the game engine operates at a lower one. Microsoft claims that Auto SR can deliver smoother frame rates without compromising the visual consistency of a game's original artistic vision.

Unlike Nvidia's DLSS 5, which has received mixed reactions from gamers, Intel's XeSS and AMD's FSR, Auto SR is integrated directly into Windows. This broad compatibility allows it to work with both new and older titles. Microsoft's upscaling solution has shown the potential to increase frame rates in games like Assassin's Creed Valhalla by up to 15%, enabling gamers to enjoy smoother gameplay while maintaining higher in-game graphics settings.

Currently, Auto SR is focused on unlocking the elusive 60 FPS threshold on Copilot+ PCs. However, Microsoft plans to expand the algorithm's reach towards achieving 90 to 120 FPS gaming scenarios in the future. Importantly, the upscaling model is trained on specific target resolutions, offering its best results with input resolutions up to 1080p on Intel-based machines.

Auto SR is compatible with any game built on DirectX 10 or later. Microsoft has highlighted a short list of titles it is targeting with the feature, including Assassin's Creed: Shadows, Assassin's Creed: Valhalla, Assetto Corsa, Avowed, Control, Doom: The Dark Ages, and more. Microsoft has made its latest upscaling technology available as an application that can be installed directly from the Microsoft Store.

While Auto SR can boost frame rates on Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft acknowledges that systems with more powerful hardware should still rely on game-native solutions like DLSS, XeSS, and FSR when available.