Microsoft is about to add the Copilot support to the inbox Photos app on Windows 11. There is an add-on for that in Insider builds. It is already packed with image-specific features, such as the ability to create and run slideshows, and change the desktop background.
A dedicated AI chatbot is coming to Xbox tech support
Microsoft is currently testing an AI assistant in the form of a chatbot to streamline Xbox technical support. The company refers to this tool as an animated "AI character." This chatbot is linked to Microsoft support documents for the web and Xbox ecosystem, enabling it to respond to inquiries and process game refund requests on the Microsoft support site.
Windows 11 will soon get a new Start menu design
Microsoft is about to refresh the appearance of the "All apps" section of the Start menu in Windows 11. Its new design has been found in Windows 11 Build 22635.3420, the most recent Beta release as of now. The new design replaces the alphabetical list of apps with a grid of icons.
The Windows 11 Copilot Suggestions pane now opens automatically
In the latest Beta build, Windows 11 22635.3420, Microsoft has update the apearance and behavior of Copilot quick actions. The change is currently hidden and is not mentioned in the release notes. After enabling it with ViVeTool, you will find that once you copy text or image to the clipboard, there will be a new flyout that appears on the screen without you having to hover over the Copilot tray icon, or clicking it.
Windows 11 gets a QR code generator for the Share dialog
Starting in Windows 11 Build 22635.3420 (Beta), you can now generate QR codes for share URLs right in the Windows Share dialog. By default, this new feature is only enabled for a small number of insiders. It is a gradual feature rollout, but you can override it and get it working right now.
Here’s how to move Widgets to the right of the taskbar in Windows 11
Windows 11 22635.3420 (Beta) moves Widgets to the right. The button to show their info and open the pane is now located next to the system tray instead of being placed in the left taskbar corner. But the change is not available to everyone: Microsoft is rolling out it to a small group of users first to collect some feedback. Here's how to enable the new position for widgets on demand.
Windows 11 restores file drag-n-drop onto address bar in File Explorer
With Windows 11 Build 22635.3420, Microsoft restored drag-and-drop files with your mouse onto the File Explorer address bar. This ability was removed in version 23H2, as File Explorer is now has a new WinUI3-based header. This newly re-added capability is under a gradual roll-out, but you can enable it manually.
Windows 11 22635.3420 (Beta) moves Widgets to the right, adds new Lock Screen widgets
Windows 11 Build 22635.3420 lands in the Beta channel with notable UI updates. First of all, it moves Widgets to the left side of the taskbar ahead of the system tray. Next, it now officially introduces new widgets for the Lock screen. Finally, you can now generate QR codes for share URLs right in the Windows Share dialog. Also, you can now drag and drop files to the address bar of File Explorer - this feature has been restored. And much more.
Intel: The Copilot key is a mandatory requirement for AI-powered PCs
Earlier in January, Microsoft made a statement that the dedicated Copilot key won't be required for devices to pass Windows 11 certification. Despite that, Intel points that the key is a mandatory requirement for "new era PCs".
Microsoft Store has got the What’s New page that lists its own new features
Microsoft has added a new page to the Microsoft Store app. Dubbed "What's New", it allows users to easily learn about new features, updates, and experimental features without stumbling upon them by accident.
