NEW YORK: Microsoft has announced a significant update to its Windows keyboards, introducing a new “Copilot key” that directly accesses the tech giant’s Copilot service. This marks the first major change to the keyboard in nearly three decades and aligns with Microsoft’s ongoing investment in artificial intelligence (AI) integration across its products.
The Copilot key is a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to infuse AI capabilities into personal computers, showcasing the company’s ambitions in advancing the role of AI-enabled PCs. These computers are equipped with advanced chips capable of running large-language models and AI-powered applications directly on the device, rather than relying on cloud-based processing.
Microsoft Aims to Revitalize Personal Computer Market
By incorporating AI directly into PCs, Microsoft aims to revitalize the personal computer market, especially following a post-pandemic slump. Analysts, including research firm Canalys, anticipate an accelerated adoption of AI-capable PCs starting from 2025.
The newly introduced Copilot key will make its debut on select Windows 11 PCs, with Microsoft planning to showcase the innovation at the CES technology trade show in Las Vegas later this month. Following the initial launch, the Copilot key will become available on new Surface devices and other Windows keyboards sometime after February 2024.
Microsoft’s Copilot service, unveiled in November, is designed to perform various tasks such as summarizing text and facilitating virtual meetings.
