NEW YORK — Microsoft has unveiled its largest update to the Windows keyboard in thirty years, introducing a new “Copilot” key that provides access to an AI-powered assistant with a single click. The tech giant announced that the Copilot key will soon be available on select new PCs from various manufacturers running the Windows operating system, dubbing it “the year of the AI PC.” PC users will be able to engage with Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered chatbot, by simply pressing the Copilot key, enabling them to ask questions or receive assistance in drafting emails. According to Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer, this update aims to simplify and enhance the computing experience, positioning 2024 as the year of the AI PC.
The Copilot key will seamlessly integrate with users’ daily routine, as it leverages OpenAI’s underlying technology following Microsoft’s significant investment of $13 billion in the AI startup. However, in instances where Copilot is not yet available or enabled on a device, pressing the Copilot key will launch Windows Search. The new key features a Copilot ribbon logo and is positioned on the lower right side of the keyboard, close to the space bar and alt button.
Notably, this marks the first major modification to the Windows PC keyboard since the introduction of the Windows key in 1994. Prior to this update, the Windows key appeared on laptops and desktops sold by renowned manufacturers like Dell, Lenovo, and HP. Microsoft’s announcement comes just ahead of the upcoming CES tech convention, where numerous companies are expected to unveil further AI product updates. Over the past year, there has been a race among major tech companies to develop and incorporate AI tools across their product ranges.
In the blog post announcing the Copilot key, Mehdi hinted at a “significant shift” for Microsoft in 2024, wherein AI will be seamlessly integrated into Windows, from the system to the silicon to the hardware.
In conclusion, Microsoft has introduced the Copilot key, an innovation that brings AI-powered assistance to Windows PC users with the simple click of a button. This update aims to simplify the computing experience and marks the first major change to the Windows PC keyboard in three decades. Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI’s technology has enabled the development of Copilot, while the tech industry as a whole is increasingly incorporating AI tools into their products.