WINDOWS GOES AI
In this era of AI, chatbots and virtual decision-makers seem to improve everything. Even Windows is jumping on the bandwagon with Microsoft bringing Windows Copilot to all Windows 11 systems. Windows Copilot is an AI assistant that Microsoft is adding to Windows 11. Just like the Copilot sidebars we’ve seen in Edge, Office apps, and GitHub, Windows Copilot will be right there in Windows 11, ready to use from the taskbar in any app or program. Panos Panay, Microsoft’s Head of Windows, says
“Once open, the Windows Copilot sidebar stays consistent across your apps, programs, and windows, always available to act as your personal assistant. It makes every user a power user, helping you take action, customize your settings, and seamlessly connect across your favourite apps.”
YOUR PERSONAL ASSISTANT
Windows Copilot brings a bunch of cool features to Windows 11. It can summarize, rewrite, or explain the content you’re checking out in different apps. It looks pretty similar to the dialogue box you find in Bing Chat, so you can ask it all sorts of general questions and things you’d usually search for. But here’s the thing: it’s not going to replace the search bar on the Windows 11 taskbar. Instead, it will have its own separate Copilot button alongside it. Remember how Cortana had its own special spot on the taskbar in Windows 10? it’s similar. like that. Microsoft calls Windows Copilot a “personal assistant,” which sounds a lot like how they described Cortana as a “personal productivity assistant.”
WINDOWS 12 CAN WAIT
Contrary to expectations, Microsoft is not waiting for the next major version of Windows to unveil its AI ambitions. Instead, the company is forging ahead and taking significant steps towards realizing its vision. Microsoft has announced that it will conduct public testing of Windows Copilot starting this month. Following the testing phase, the feature will be made available to a wider audience of existing Windows 11 users. In January this year, Panay claimed
“AI is going to reinvent how you do everything on Windows.”
PERSONAL AND PRODUCTIVE
With Windows Copilot, you’ll be amazed by the possibilities at your fingertips. Just imagine having a conversation with an AI-powered chatbot that allows you to effortlessly control various settings on your Windows 11 PC. Using natural language, you can simply command your PC to switch display settings, like activating dark mode or enabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Windows Copilot goes beyond basic control functions. If you’re looking to boost productivity and make the most of your PC, you can tell Windows Copilot, “I want to get more productive; how can I adjust my PC?” In response, it will provide valuable recommendations tailored to help you focus better and avoid distractions.
JAM-PACKED WITH FEATURES
Windows 11 is packed with numerous features you may not be aware of, and Windows Copilot will highlight these hidden gems for you. For instance, it can suggest turning on Focus mode for a specific duration or activating the Do Not Disturb feature. Moreover, you can leverage native Windows 11 tools like the Snipping tool and Snap Assist to swiftly act and enhance your overall user experience. Windows Copilot empowers you to optimize your PC usage effortlessly. The best part? Since Copilot is integrated into Windows, you can do more than just ask it questions. You can tell it stuff like “Hey, adjust my settings so I can focus,” or make it perform other actions on your PC. It’s way more powerful than the basic Bing Chat link that Microsoft added to the taskbar earlier this year.
DOCUMENT INTEGRATION
Windows Copilot seamlessly integrates with your documents. All you need to do is drag and drop a text file into the Windows Copilot pane, and it unlocks a range of possibilities. You’ll be presented with options to rewrite the text, summarize its content, or even receive detailed explanations. It’s like having your own personal writing and comprehension assistant right at your fingertips. Windows Copilot extends its capabilities beyond text processing. It can even delve into the realm of music by exploring Spotify on your behalf. Simply provide prompts or preferences, and Windows Copilot will take care of the rest, playing music tailored to your taste and mood. It’s like having a music curator who understands your preferences and delivers the perfect soundtrack for any occasion.
THE POWER OF WINDOWS COLLABORATION
With the incredible capabilities of Windows Copilot, you can go beyond the ordinary and explore new possibilities. It’s as simple as pasting images, text, or video links into the chat interface and instructing Copilot to share them with a group chat on Microsoft Teams. The power of collaboration and communication is right at your fingertips.
WINDOWS APP INTEGRATION
As the developer community continues to innovate, we can expect Windows Copilot to integrate seamlessly with our favourite applications. The potential for integration is vast, and we can look forward to enhanced functionality as more plugins become available. Windows Copilot will become an indispensable tool that effortlessly connects with the apps we rely on daily.
GOING AWAY?
Windows Copilot’s integration with Bing Chat opens up exciting conversational possibilities. You can engage in meaningful discussions with Copilot on various topics and even ask complex questions. Want to know the current weather in Greenland? Curious about the best time to plan a vacation there? Windows Copilot can provide the answers you seek and even help you explore options for hotels and flights. It’s like having a knowledgeable companion who can assist you in making informed decisions and discovering new horizons.
ARE YOU A WINDOWS INSIDER?
Windows Copilot will make its debut as a preview version exclusively for Windows Insiders. If you’re part of the Windows Insider Program, you’ll be among the first to access and experience the latest features and updates from Microsoft. By involving Windows Insiders, Microsoft gains invaluable feedback that helps improve the Windows experience for all users. To sign up for the Windows Insider Program, you can get started on the official Windows Insider website. Windows Copilot is just the beginning of an exciting journey towards a new era of computing. So, will Windows Copilot be your new baby? In the words of Whitney Houston – hold on and enjoy the ride!
WIN WITH ME
I believe that AI in business is key to efficiency, productivity and standing out from the crowd. Microsoft promises to make much of this happen by integrating Copilot into Windows 11. I have over 20 years of experience in providing professional IT support and cybersecurity for London-based SMEs. I have seen their pain, their challenges and their successes. And the latter is what I wish for you. Let’s get together and take your business to the next level through automation. Contact me today and begin your journey into a new world of technology.