At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the premier technology trade exhibition globally, AI has become ubiquitous. CNET is present at the event even before its official commencement. Microsoft has revealed its plan to introduce a dedicated key to facilitate the use of its AI tool, Copilot, on Windows 11 PCs and laptops ahead of the event’s intense focus on AI.
Users of Windows 11 will be able to access Microsoft’s relational AI tool effortlessly with a single press of a designated keyboard button. This tool can assist users in a variety of tasks, including making specific purchases, interacting with chatbots, and creating travel or meal plans.
The introduction of the Copilot AI key marks a significant evolution in Windows keyboards over the past nearly thirty years. This new key serves as a physical gateway to the service, enabling users to engage in activities such as generating document summaries, receiving music recommendations, or obtaining AI chatbot responses to inquiries. Microsoft’s initiative is aimed at exposing over one billion Windows users to its AI capabilities.
Yusuf Mehdi, the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Customers at Microsoft, expressed his belief on Thursday that this development will simplify users’ engagement with AI. He stated, “The new key will activate the Navigator within the Windows ecosystem, making daily usage more convenient.”
Sam Altman, the CEO and co-founder of OpenAI, was unexpectedly removed from his position by the company’s board following Microsoft’s $10 billion investment in the Chat-GPT startup. Subsequently, Microsoft’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, swiftly recruited Altman and other key personnel. This prompt action by Pichai coincided with Altman’s reinstatement at OpenAI, underscoring Microsoft’s substantial investment in AI chatbots and the Copilot search engine, previously known as Bing Chat. Microsoft has incorporated advanced AI concepts, including OpenAI’s GPT-4, into key products like Windows 11 and the Bing search engine over the past year.
Which Windows 11 laptops and PCs will feature the Copilot console code?
The Copilot key will replace either the menu key or the relevant command key on select keyboards. Positioned to the left of the space bar, it will activate Microsoft Copilot.
Leading up to the next Les event and during the event itself, the new key will debut on the initial wave of Windows 11 laptops and PCs from Microsoft’s partners. The upcoming Dell XPS laptop series already includes this new feature.
Microsoft plans for a broader rollout from late February through spring, encompassing upcoming Surface devices. The Copilot button is poised to become an essential component across Windows devices.
For Windows users without Copilot enabled or residing in regions where it is unavailable, the new key will trigger Windows Search. Users can access Navigator by pressing Windows + C.
Mehdi emphasized, “This new key not only enhances but also enriches users’ computing experiences, heralding 2024 as the year of the AI PC.”
