NEWS  Windows  January 4, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Microsoft has unveiled its latest initiative to integrate artificial intelligence seamlessly into the Windows 11 user experience. The company has introduced the Copilot key, marking a significant leap in the evolution of Windows PC keyboards. This development comes on the heels of a major feature update in September 2023, where Microsoft officially integrated the Copilot generative AI assistant into Windows 11.

The Copilot key, set to be added to new Windows 11 laptop PCs and keyboards in the coming months, is poised to redefine how users interact with AI on their devices. Microsoft's Executive Vice President and Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, Yusuf Mehdi, expressed enthusiasm in a recent blog post, highlighting the key's role in facilitating easier access to the world of AI. Pressing the Copilot key on a Windows 11 laptop or a compatible keyboard will automatically launch the Copilot AI assistant, streamlining the user experience.

Mehdi emphasized the significance of this innovation by stating, "We see this as another transformative moment in our journey with Windows where Copilot will be the entry point into the world of AI on the PC". This move reflects Microsoft's commitment to democratizing AI and making it more accessible to a broader audience.

Notably, if the Copilot key is pressed on a Windows 11 PC where Copilot is either unavailable or not enabled, Windows Search will be launched instead. This dual functionality ensures that users can seamlessly navigate their devices, whether or not Copilot is actively supported. The introduction of the Copilot key marks the first significant change to the Windows PC keyboard in nearly three decades, according to Mehdi. The last major keyboard update was the introduction of the Windows key in September 1994, which became a standard feature on Windows laptops and desktop keyboards, launching the Start menu in Windows 95.

In the lead-up to the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Microsoft's partners are set to showcase new PCs featuring the Copilot key. Consumers can expect to purchase these enhanced Windows 11 PCs starting later in January, with availability extending throughout the winter and spring months. Furthermore, Microsoft plans to incorporate the Copilot key into future Surface devices, extending the reach of this innovative feature across its product line.

 MEDIA CREDITS: MICROSOFT