Microsoft Introduces Copilot Key to Drive AI Into Windows PCs

Saturday - January 6 2024, 13:57 UTC - 10 months ago

Microsoft has introduced a new feature called "Copilot key" for Windows 11 PCs, designed to make it easier to use AI functionalities on their computers. The Copilot is an AI feature brand under Microsoft to consolidate its AI-powered companions. The "Copilot key" will be visible on various new Windows 11 PCs and upcoming Surface devices starting in late February 2024, running on Intel and ARM-based Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, accompanied by Neural Processing Units (NPUs). It is a step towards facilitating increased involvement in the ongoing transformation of technology driven by artificial intelligence.

Microsoft has introduced a new feature called "Copilot key" for Windows 11 PCs. The Copilot key, nestled between the Alt key and the left arrow key, is designed to make it easier for individuals to engage with and utilize artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities on their Windows 11 computers. It would be the first significant alteration to the Windows keyboard in almost thirty years.In a Microsoft blog penned by Yusuf Mehdi, executive vice president, and consumer chief marketing officer, he explained that upon pressing the key, it "will invoke the Copilot in Windows experience to make it seamless to engage Copilot in your day-to-day." .

For the uninitiated, Copilot is an AI feature and a brand under Microsoft. It consolidates all its AI-powered companions under this umbrella. Each Copilot is an embedded AI companion within Microsoft services, serving as a helpful assistant during work and creative tasks. The current array of Copilots is set to expand, with Microsoft's focus on developing specialized versions for its key applications. Utilizing GPT-4 language model technology, it integrates with Bing Chat, offering features like Business Chat and seamless integration with Microsoft apps.

Microsoft weaving AI into the system, silicon & hardware Marking the beginning of a period referred by Microsoft as the "year of the AI PC," the introduction of the Copilot key is a step towards facilitating increased involvement in the ongoing transformation of technology driven by artificial intelligence.

"We’re also seeing incredible momentum from our silicon partners AMD, Intel and Qualcomm, all of whom have introduced their latest silicon innovations to the world that unlock new AI experiences on the Windows PC," said Mehdi. "Together, we’re putting new system architectures in place to power new Windows AI experiences bringing together the GPU, CPU, NPU, and the cloud," added Mehdi.

2024 - The year of the AI PC In the days leading up to and during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the "Copilot key" will be visible on various new Windows 11 PCs from Microsoft's ecosystem partners. The Copilot key is expected to be featured on these devices starting in late February and continuing through the spring. Additionally, the blog mentions that upcoming Surface devices will also include the Copilot key during this time frame.

As the year ended, Microsoft also announced that its upcoming Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 devices will feature Intel and ARM-based Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, accompanied by advanced Neural Processing Units (NPUs) for enhanced artificial intelligence computing capabilities. The ARM-powered devices, known internally as 'CADMUS' PCs, are designed to seamlessly integrate with the next Windows version, codenamed 'Hudson Valley,' expected to launch in the first half of the coming year, reported Interesting Engineering.