At the very beginning of 2024, Microsoft announced that they have the aim to make it ‘The Year of AI PC’, alongside the anticipation of a transformative shift toward a more personalised and intelligent computing era, seamlessly integrating AI into Windows across the system, silicon, and hardware. The goal to streamline and enhance the computing experience is kick-started with a significant change to the keyboard on new laptops and PCs. A novel Copilot key is set to feature on a range of new PCs and laptops from Microsoft’s collaborators, offering convenient access to Microsoft’s Windows Copilot experience through a simple press of a dedicated keyboard button.
The New Copilot Key
The Copilot key marks a significant departure from the traditional Windows PC keyboard layout, representing the first major change in almost three decades. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President and Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, likened it to the introduction of the Windows key 30 years ago, envisioning the Copilot key as a transformative entry point into the realm of AI on the PC.
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How Does It Work?
The upcoming Copilot key is set to replace the menu key (Application key) that has been a fixture alongside the Windows key for decades. Positioned next to the right-hand Alt key, the placement may vary by OEM and across different markets. This new key, located where Microsoft introduced a dedicated Office key in 2019, is designed to launch the Windows Copilot integrated into Windows 11.
Upon activation, the Copilot key initiates Microsoft Copilot, an AI chatbot integrated into Windows 11 and Microsoft’s web browsers Bing and Edge. Comparable to other chatbots like Bard, ChatGPT, and Grok, it can respond to queries and execute actions within the Windows environment.
Where Can I Get This Copilot Key?
In regions where Windows Copilot is not yet accessible, the Copilot key will initiate Windows Search. Unlike the versatile Windows key, which can open the Start menu or be combined with other keys for various shortcuts, the Copilot key functions solely as a launch key for now. Microsoft’s plans regarding the ability to use it in combination with other keys remain unclear.
Microsoft have not disclosed the specific OEMs that will incorporate the Copilot key, reserving the announcements for the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) next week and subsequent events. According to Yusuf Mehdi, the Copilot key will be revealed on new Windows 11 PCs from ecosystem partners, and its availability is expected to commence later this month, extending through Spring, with inclusion in upcoming Surface devices.
The introduction of dedicated Copilot keys on new Surface devices, including the anticipated Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 models, has transitioned from rumour to confirmation, aligning with Microsoft’s plans for a spring release.
A Bit More on Microsoft’s AI Development
Besides the new key, Microsoft are developing a Windows “Refresh” with a concentrated focus on introducing new AI features, while simultaneously integrating AI across various aspects of their software and services. The year began with Microsoft labelling Microsoft Edge as the “AI browser”, indicating a sustained commitment to advancing AI initiatives. From this, it can be observed that they’re taking a high initiative to push a lot their AI development to fulfil the “AI PC year” goal.
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The First Step in the AI PC Year
Microsoft’s comprehensive integration of Copilot into various aspects in 2023 foreshadows a larger AI-driven transformation set to unfold in Windows throughout 2024. This ambitious endeavour aims to seamlessly weave AI into the fabric of Windows, extending from the system and silicon to the hardware itself.
According to Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft themselves are thrilled to embark on the next phase of our journey. They claim that now is the perfect moment to begin exploring Copilot, whether we’re transforming ideas into music, crafting stunning images and refined drafts, or fine-tuning your PC settings. The rise of Copilot aims to stand as our daily AI companion, enhancing both work and life experiences.
For the audience who are planning to purchase a brand new Windows laptop or PC, you might just be one of the very first badges of consumers to experience the new 2024 change on Windows physical keyboards. While waiting for an official announcement next week on the CES 2024 about more details of the new key, you might want to discover other AI-related news on our website.