Microsoft Unveils AI Powered 'Co-pilot' Button for Windows Keyboards

The Dawn of a New Era in Computing

Microsoft has recently announced an innovative addition to the Windows keyboard: a dedicated 'co-pilot' button. This change, the most significant in keyboard design in nearly three decades, represents a major leap in the integration of AI into everyday computing.

Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot

The 'co-pilot' button is powered by Microsoft 365 Copilot, a revolutionary tool that blends the capabilities of large language models with the user's data in Microsoft Graph and Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. This combination transforms your words into a highly effective productivity tool​​. You can find out more about Microsoft 365 Copilot here. 

How Copilot Works

Copilot is ingeniously integrated into Microsoft 365, providing support across various applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. It enhances creativity, boosts productivity, and improves skills. An exciting feature is the 'Business Chat,' which allows users to interact with Copilot using natural language, making complex tasks like drafting a status update based on recent communications as simple as giving a command​​.

Transforming Work in Three Ways

1. Unleashing Creativity: Copilot in Word assists in initiating the creative process, providing a base for further editing and refinement. In PowerPoint, it aids in crafting compelling presentations, and in Excel, it enables swift analysis of data trends​​.
2. Unlocking Productivity: Copilot in Outlook streamlines email management, while in Teams, it enhances meeting productivity by summarising discussions and suggesting action items​​.
3. Upleveling Skills: Copilot simplifies the use of Microsoft 365's extensive features through natural language commands, making it easier to access the suite's full potential​​.

What we know so far about the Copilot keyboard button and its functionality

• The Copilot keyboard is a new Windows 11 keyboard that has a dedicated Copilot key.
• The Copilot key will be located somewhere between the right Alt key and the left arrow key.
• The Copilot key is used to invoke the built-in Copilot AI feature in Windows, which is an AI companion that helps users with search, productivity, creativity, and more.
• The Copilot key is the first major change to the Windows PC keyboard in nearly 30 years.
• The Copilot key will start to roll out to new Windows 11 PCs from Microsoft and its partners from the end of January 2024. 

A Future with AI and Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft's Copilot system is more than just a tool; it's a comprehensive AI solution that respects privacy and security, ensuring a trustworthy and effective integration into the business workflow​​​​. 

Responsible AI Development

Microsoft's commitment to responsible AI development is evident in its comprehensive approach, which includes a multidisciplinary team overseeing the AI systems for potential harms and mitigations, ensuring fairness and privacy​​.

Embracing the AI Revolution

The addition of the 'co-pilot' button on Windows keyboards is not just a technological advancement but a step towards a more intuitive, productive, and creative future in computing. As AI continues to evolve, tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot will become indispensable in harnessing the full potential of technology in our work lives.
 

Sources: 

1. https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2024/01/04/introducing-a-new-copilot-key-to-kick-off-the-year-of-ai-powered-windows-pcs/
2. https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2023/03/16/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot-your-copilot-for-work/