Prepare for your Windows laptop to undergo a significant transformation.
“It’s the next era,” said Pete Kyriacou, Microsoft’s vice president of Microsoft Devices, comparing the challenges of AI to the early days of the Internet. This statement came after a keynote speech at Microsoft’s AI and Surface event.
At the event, Microsoft introduced a new tool called Copilot, a system-wide digital assistant designed to function as an AI chatbot. Copilot aims to help users with tasks like customizing their PCs and finding the perfect playlist. It will be available on all apps, including Bing and Edge, starting September 26th with the launch of Windows 11.
In line with Google, Microsoft has been actively promoting its artificial intelligence services in 2023. This move is partially due to the success of ChatGPT, an online chatbot supported by Microsoft. The integration of AI technology into Windows is significant because it offers a glimpse into the potential changes in laptop usage.
While Microsoft has previously offered virtual assistants, they haven’t been as advanced as their competitors. However, Kyriacou believes that Copilot will be different. With enhanced capabilities, newer assistants like Copilot will be much quicker and adept at guiding users in the right direction, unlike their predecessors.
Windows, currently dominating about 69% of the global desktop OS market, faces crucial decisions when it comes to changes in the Windows environment. Similarly to how touchscreens became a standard feature on Windows laptops, AI is positioned to play a more prominent role in future laptops, according to Microsoft.
During the Microsoft event, demonstrations showcased the new AI features coming to Windows, with Copilot being the central focus. The company claims that Copilot will leverage the internet, your connections, and your devices to become a personalized and professional assistant.
For instance, Carmen Zlateff, Windows vice president, demonstrated how Copilot can generate a recommended list of mails in New York City and calculate the travel time to each location. Copilot can also process various input methods, like writing with a pen, making it easier to ask questions about symbols or math problems.
In addition to navigating PC tasks, Copilot can extract content from other sources, such as messages. It can retrieve information about an upcoming flight or send a text message on behalf of the user.
Microsoft’s AI plans extend beyond software to hardware. At the event, Microsoft unveiled the Surface Laptop Studio 2, the first Windows device equipped with an Intel neural chip. This chip enhances capabilities such as staying on a phone call and maintaining eye contact, which is part of Microsoft’s Windows Studio Effects.
While Microsoft’s vision for AI integration is not unique, other tech giants like Google and Apple have also embraced AI in their products. The increasing adoption of AI technologies will likely lead to intensified scrutiny and discussions about legislation.
In summary, Microsoft aims to make Windows laptops better and more user-friendly through AI. Copilot’s abilities, such as translating handwritten notes and offering tailored options within Outlook, showcase the power of this AI assistant.
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