Microsoft has introduced a new PC update that allows users to summon its AI assistant with a single button press. The technology giant announced today that forthcoming Windows laptops will feature a Copilot key, providing instant access to Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant starting this month.
The addition of the Copilot key marks the second significant modification to the Windows keyboard since the introduction of the Start menu in 1994. Positioned adjacent to the Ctrl key and the remaining bow button, the AI assistant key will replace the list button on most keyboards.
This new feature exemplifies Microsoft’s commitment to making its AI bots more accessible to users on a daily basis, showcasing the company’s prominent role in the AI market. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s Chief Marketing Officer, referred to 2024 as “the year of the AI Desktop” in a recent blog post about the keyboard release.
Upon activation, the Copilot key will initiate a PC Navigator, allowing users to input commands either through typing or voice prompts to adjust settings on their computers. Tasks such as switching to dark mode, creating illustrations, or swiftly retrieving information from the web can be effortlessly accomplished.
In the face of increasing competition from tech giants and startups like Anthropic and OpenAI entering the AI space, Microsoft aims to maintain its competitive edge by integrating an AI key on the keyboard. This strategic placement encourages users to engage with Microsoft’s Copilot program, priced at $30 per user per month, rather than seeking alternative solutions.
Microsoft’s foray into AI technology extends beyond keyboard innovations, with the introduction of AI-powered features such as the Bing Search engine capable of handling complex search queries. Additionally, the company rolled out AI chatbots, known as Copilots, for Office applications like Word and Outlook, assisting users with tasks such as email composition and meeting summaries. During a conference call with analysts and investors in October, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella disclosed that the company has amassed over 1 million paid Navigator subscribers.
