By adding a key for its AI helper, Copilot, to its keyboards in place of the recognizable Windows/Start button, Microsoft is making a significant advancement in AI.
Microsoft Corp. is working hard to integrate AI into all of its services. Following last year’s partnership with OpenAI to incorporate GPT-4 into Edge and the release of its own AI assistant, Copilot, the tech behemoth is now altering something that hasn’t been altered in 30 years: the Windows/Start button on the Windows keyboard.
Microsoft recently announced that it is integrating Copilot AI into its Windows Keyboards, bringing its largest AI revolution to Windows 11. The Windows Copilot that is integrated into Windows 11 can be launched by pressing the new Copilot key, which will be located to the right of the space bar. For informational purposes: Similar to ChatGPT, Copilot is an AI-powered chatbot that responds to user-generated questions.
At the next CES technology convention, Windows 11 machines with the Copilot button on them will be on display by Microsoft’s hardware partners. It is expected that this feature will eventually become required. Beginning this month, users will be able to obtain the first gadgets with the Copilot help key installed.
Notably, this is the most significant modification to the Windows Keyboard since Microsoft modified the keyboard layout in 1994 when it first added the Windows/Start key. This change, according to the company, aligns with its plans to bring a significant shift towards a more personal and intelligent computing future in which AI will be seamlessly integrated into Windows-from the system to the silicon to the hardware. “This will not only simplify but also amplify people’s computing experiences, making 2024 the year of the AI PC,” wrote Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s president of Windows and Surface, in a blog post.
Surprisingly, there’s more to come. Microsoft has been committed to incorporating its AI help Copilot into multiple services during 2023, and the introduction of the new Copilot key is just one component of bigger AI-driven enhancements planned for Windows in 2024. The corporation is likely to make further modifications this year, particularly to the Windows PC. Microsoft says it is developing these in response to user feedback.
It’s important to note that as part of its AI advancements, Microsoft Copilot has partnered with AI music production platform Suno, allowing Copilot to generate AI-composed music in response to straightforward language requests. Through this partnership, Copilot’s capabilities have been improved by adding music composing. Microsoft Edge may now be used by users to create and customize songs based on personal preferences.
Furthermore, Microsoft is actively working on a “refresh” for Windows that will highlight new AI features and incorporate AI into a number of its products and services. Microsoft has renamed its Edge browser as “AI Browsers,” emphasizing its dedication to AI developments.
