Pressing a button will serve as one way to summon an artificial intelligence agent as Microsoft utilizes its dominance in the software industry to shape the future of keyboards.
Commencing this month, certain new PCs running Microsoft’s Windows OS will feature a unique “Copilot key” designed to activate the tech giant’s AI chatbot.
By persuading external computer manufacturers to incorporate an AI button on laptops, Microsoft aims to capitalize on its close collaboration with ChatGPT creator OpenAI, positioning itself as a hub for relational AI technology applications.
While the majority of individuals now access the internet and AI tools via smartphones rather than PCs, this symbolic introduction signifies the start of an anticipated competitive period in which tech firms vie to excel in AI applications, all while grappling with unresolved ethical and legal issues. The New York Times recently filed lawsuits against both OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging that products like ChatGPT and Copilot (formerly Bing Chat) were developed by infringing on copyrighted materials.
The redesign of the keyboard layout represents Microsoft’s most significant alteration to PC keys since the inclusion of a dedicated Windows key in the 1990s. While Microsoft’s iconic four-square logo has undergone changes, the Windows key has remained a staple on Windows-centric keyboards for almost thirty years.
The new AI feature will be denoted by the distinct Copilot branding and positioned near the space bar. On certain devices, it will replace the traditional “CTRL” key, while on others, it will supplant a menu key.
Microsoft is not alone in offering customized keys. Apple was a trailblazer in the 1980s with its “Command” key featuring a looped square symbol (which also briefly included an Apple logo). Google introduced a search key on its Chromebooks and was the first to experiment with an AI-specific key to activate its voice assistant on the now-discontinued Pixelbook.
However, Microsoft holds a significant share of the PC market through licensing agreements with major third-party manufacturers such as Lenovo, Dell, and HP. Approximately 82% of desktop computers, laptops, and workstations run on Windows, in contrast to 9% for Apple’s proprietary OS and slightly over 6% for Google’s, according to IDC, a market research company.
Microsoft has not disclosed which PC manufacturers will incorporate the Copilot key aside from its own premium Surface line. It anticipates that some of these manufacturers will unveil their new designs at the upcoming Les tool show in Las Vegas next year.
