The last time Microsoft added a specific key to the Windows keyboard layout was in 2018. Thirty years later, and the Redmond-based tech giant is ready to put artificial intelligence in the palm of the world.
The “Copilot” key, named after Microsoft's AI digital assistant, makes it easy to access AI-powered features and will be built into Windows 11 keyboards starting later this year.
The move furthers Microsoft's strategy to deeply integrate AI into its products and services. Through partnerships with AI leaders like OpenAI and Meta, as well as major in-house investments, the tech giant aims to make AI a seamless part of users' everyday digital experiences.
“We believe it will empower people to more easily participate in the AI transformation,” Microsoft said in a blog post announcing the change. Experience calls it.
Located near the spacebar, this key replaces the actual “CTRL” key or the menu key, depending on the computer model. The new Copilot keyboard key will start appearing on Windows 11 laptops and desktops from major manufacturers like Dell and HP starting this month.
Pressing the Copilot button summons the AI assistant to help with tasks ranging from writing emails and documents, adjusting PC settings and more.
Microsoft describes it as “another transformative moment in our journey with Windows where Copilot is the entry point into the world of AI on PC.”
The Copilot assistant itself is powered by generative AI models such as the GPT-4.5 Turbo and Dall-E 3 powered by Microsoft's partner OpenAI, which developed the popular ChatGPT chatbot. Microsoft's $10 billion investment in OpenAI has ensured early access to leading AI systems.
Microsoft will continue to build Windows as a destination for better AI experiences by emphasizing the integration of local and cloud computing in an operating system rumored to be released this year.
The keyboard update coincides with reports that Microsoft plans to switch Windows to an annual update cap focused on delivering new AI capabilities. The 2024 update, codenamed “Hudson Valley,” will introduce improvements such as using AI to enhance media quality and provide real-time translation.
AI is being integrated into the everyday user experience of Microsoft products, from Office productivity suites to Outlook and Teams. Even the popular paint is getting AI-powered features, making them more like Light Photoshop than the program that kids used to draw pictures with sticks 20 years ago.
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