As Microsoft prepares to mark the 40th anniversary of its operating system and finishes support for Windows 10, the company is accelerating its vision for an AI-integrated Windows 11. The company describes this shift as a foundational rewrite of the OS, designed to transform PCs into intelligent partners that users can speak to and delegate tasks.
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“Talk to Your PC” Becomes Core to Windows Vision
Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer, outlined the company’s ambition to embed AI deeply into everyday computing. “We think we’re on the cusp of the next evolution,” Mehdi stated, “where AI happens not just in a chatbot but gets naturally integrated into the hundreds of millions of experiences people use every day.”
The key to this strategy is Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant, which now supports voice activation via the new wake phrase “Hey, Copilot!” Microsoft positions voice as the third primary input method. In addition to traditional keyboard and mouse, it will allow users to issue commands and receive assistance through spoken dialogue.
Copilot Gains Vision and Action Capabilities
Microsoft is rolling out Copilot Vision globally, an opt-in feature that allows the AI to view a user’s screen in real time, like screen sharing in Microsoft Teams. With this capability, Copilot can guide users through applications, troubleshoot issues, explain documents or images, and even provide step-by-step instructions in games.
To achieve this, Microsoft has begun testing Copilot Actions in a preview program. This feature relies on AI to perform local tasks on a user’s behalf, such as editing batches of photos. These actions occur within a secure, isolated desktop environment, with the AI agent displaying each step it takes. Microsoft acknowledges early limitations, noting that complex applications may present challenges during initial testing.
Integration Deepens with Taskbar and Search Enhancements
Copilot now appears directly in the Windows 11 taskbar, offering one-click access to Voice and Vision features. Microsoft also introduces an updated search experience designed to speed up access to local files, applications, and system settings.
Marketing push for the new AI era
Microsoft plans to launch television advertisements promoting the new AI capabilities under the tagline “meet the computer you can talk to.” The campaign runs hand-by-hand with the end of support for Windows 10. Obviously, it aims to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11.
While past efforts like Cortana struggled to gain mainstream adoption, Microsoft believes current AI advancements and user behavior, say widespread voice use in Teams meetings, serve a reason for changes. The company claims the user consent and control the most important thing, particularly for features requiring screen access. Also, Microsoft is about to refine the AI experience based on real-world usage.
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