Windows 11 Deeply Integrates AI-Powered Features
▼ Summary
– Microsoft’s new Windows features focus on generative AI and “agentic” AI that performs tasks in the background.
– The company appears to be using AI technologies to revive the concept of its discontinued Cortana voice assistant.
– Microsoft envisions AI PCs that recognize natural voice or text input and guide users based on screen content.
– A key announcement is the “Hey, Copilot” voice activation phrase for Windows 11, replacing Cortana’s keyboard shortcut.
– Microsoft hopes Copilot will succeed where Cortana failed, despite similar functionality existing on other platforms.
Windows 11 is now embedding a suite of advanced AI-driven capabilities, signaling a major push by Microsoft to transform how users interact with their computers. These new features pivot around generative artificial intelligence, with a particular emphasis on what the tech industry calls “agentic” AI. This concept refers to software that can independently carry out tasks in the background after receiving a simple instruction, freeing you up to focus on other activities.
Many observers note that this initiative feels like a second attempt at realizing the vision once held for Cortana, Microsoft’s earlier voice assistant that was ultimately retired. The company appears to be leveraging modern language models and generative AI to finally deliver on the promise of a truly helpful digital aide.
Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, outlined the core principles for these new “AI PCs.” He stated they must understand natural input, whether through text or speech, offer contextual guidance based on what is displayed on the screen, and perhaps most importantly, AI assistants “should be able to take action on your behalf.”
A headline feature in this rollout is the new “Hey, Copilot” voice activation command for Windows 11. Once enabled, this allows you to call up the Copilot chatbot using just your voice, eliminating the need for a mouse or keyboard. For those who prefer typing, the dedicated Copilot key or the Windows + C shortcut, which previously launched Cortana, will also open the AI assistant. When your session is complete, a simple verbal “goodbye” will dismiss the Copilot interface.
While Mac computers and smartphones have offered comparable voice-activated helpers for some time, Microsoft is clearly betting that its refined Copilot technology will succeed where Cortana fell short, aiming to provide a more capable and integrated user experience.
(Source: Ars Technica)
