Microsoft’s AI advancement continues to progress steadily. The most recent update, now being deployed through Windows Update, introduces a series of modifications to Copilot within Windows 11. Copilot, a tool based on ChatGPT and featuring its dedicated key on the keyboards of new Windows PCs released this year, is undergoing enhancements. It is worth noting that Copilot for Windows is currently in preview and accessible only in specific markets.
The primary enhancement involves the integration of plugins that enable third-party applications and services to interact with the feature. The initial set of plugins, as per a blog post unveiling this functionality, includes OpenTable (for making dinner reservations) and Instacart (for compiling a grocery list). Additional plugins from Shopify, Klarna, and Kayak are slated to be introduced in the coming month.
The underlying purpose of these plugins is evident—they enable Microsoft to monetize the activities of Windows users utilizing the new AI tools by receiving a percentage of transactions conducted through partner apps. This strategic move aligns with the significant investments made by the company in this domain.
Furthermore, an upcoming update scheduled for “late March” will introduce new Windows skills for Copilot. Users on a Windows 11 PC will be able to input prompts for Copilot to execute various actions in Settings, such as toggling battery saver, accessing device information, system information, battery details, or storage information.
For Windows 11 users requiring accessibility support, Copilot will offer a range of options, including Live Captions, Narrator, and Screen Magnifier. Additionally, users can activate Voice Access and Voice Input, adjust text size, and access the Contrast Themes page.
Users seeking device-related information can prompt Copilot to display available Wi-Fi networks, showcase the current IP address, indicate available storage space, or empty the Recycle Bin.
Although the utility of typing prompts for these functions may be debatable in terms of time-saving compared to using the graphical interface directly, it currently serves as a proof of concept. The true value will be realized in the future when Windows can adeptly respond to voice commands and manage system settings efficiently.
Apart from AI-driven enhancements, certain apps integrated into Windows 11 are receiving notable updates. The Photos app, for instance, now boasts a Generative Erase feature akin to Google Photos, enabling the removal of distracting elements from images. Similarly, the Clipchamp video editing app introduces a Silence Removal feature to eliminate awkward pauses from video soundtracks.
These features are set to be progressively rolled out starting today. Additionally, beyond AI-related updates, a significant change includes the option to disable clickbait news headlines from the Widgets board, allowing users to focus on practical, informative content like weather updates, calendar events, and to-do lists.
Upon installation of this update, users can expect enhancements in accessibility features, including the ability to create customized Voice Shortcuts for automating repetitive tasks and utilizing voice commands for multi-display operations. Moreover, PCs connected to Android devices will now be able to utilize the phone’s front-facing camera as a webcam for video conferencing applications.
For enterprise users, a pivotal development involves the consolidation of the Windows Update for Business deployment service with Windows Autopatch into a unified update management solution encompassing Windows PCs, Microsoft 365 applications, Microsoft Edge, and Teams, with integrated AI support.
Microsoft has announced that these “new experiences” will commence rollout today via Windows Update and the Microsoft Store, with a controlled release of features for consumers. The company anticipates achieving “broad availability” by April’s Patch Tuesday release.
