Amazon Launches 4-Day Prime Day 2026 as Rivals Extend Tech Sales to June 28

Q: Many new 'AI PCs' can't run key AI features. How can you spot a genuine Copilot+ laptop deal?

A genuine Copilot+ laptop deal is one that clearly meets Microsoft’s hardware standard, not just a retailer’s “AI PC” label. The key test is the NPU: it must deliver at least 40 TOPS on its own. If the listing does not show the NPU rating, or only advertises “AI performance” or “total TOPS,” treat it cautiously. Shoppers should verify the full spec sheet, not the product name. A real Copilot+ PC should pair that 40+ TOPS NPU with at least 16GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and a supported chip family such as Qualcomm Snapdragon X or X2, Intel Core Ultra 200V or 300 series, or AMD Ryzen AI 300 or 400 series. Many cheaper “AI laptops” use Intel Core Ultra 100 or 200H/HX/U chips, or lower-end AMD parts with roughly 11 to 16 TOPS NPUs; those can handle limited AI tasks but cannot run the full set of Copilot+ features. The safest visual cue is the official “Copilot+ PC” badge, but even that should be backed up by the specifications. Buyers should also confirm the machine ships with Windows 11 24H2 or later, since Microsoft’s latest on-device AI features depend on that software baseline. During Prime Day and rival sales at Best Buy, Newegg, and Walmart, the best approach is to compare the same model across retailers and ignore inflated “AI” branding. If the listing shows 40+ NPU TOPS, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and a qualifying processor, it is likely a genuine Copilot+ deal.

3 articles · Updated · Windows Central · Jun 23

June 23 marked the start of Amazon Prime Day 2026, a four-day sale running through June 26 with discounts across laptops, PC components, Xbox gear and accessories.
Best Buy, Newegg and Walmart launched overlapping promotions at the same time, with their competing tech events scheduled to run through June 28 as retailers battle on price and inventory.
Highlighted deals included a Logitech MX Master 3S at $89.99, an Xbox storage expansion card at $259.99 and an Elgato 4K S capture card at $119.99, with some prices quickly matched across stores.
Prime Day remains largely tied to Amazon membership—priced at $14.99 a month—though new users can get a 30-day trial and eligible 18-24-year-olds or students a free 6-month offer.
The event is taking place in 26 countries, underscoring how Amazon's annual promotion now drives a broader multi-retailer discount cycle rather than an Amazon-only shopping window.