In a significant development, Microsoft has announced the rollout of the latest major update to its Windows 11 PC operating system, bringing with it an impressive array of new features and improvements. The highlight of this update is the introduction of “Copilot,” a chatbot that demonstrates striking similarities to OpenAI’s renowned ChatGPT.
Copilot, a generative artificial intelligence, has the remarkable ability to craft human-like text and content with just a few words of human guidance. It relies on large language models created by Microsoft-backed OpenAI, trained on extensive datasets. Copilot can compose emails, answer questions, and perform various tasks within the Windows environment, even harnessing information from websites to enhance its knowledge.
This release follows Microsoft’s earlier integration of a chatbot into its Bing search engine, and now, a variation of it enhances the latest version of the world’s most widely used PC operating system. In addition to this, Microsoft is set to offer the Microsoft 365 Copilot, an AI add-on tailored for corporate users who rely on its productivity applications.
Windows Copilot introduces several PC-specific features designed to enhance user experiences. These include the ability to open applications, switch to dark mode, enable Bluetooth, and receive guidance on taking screenshots. Moreover, while browsing in Microsoft’s Edge browser, Copilot can summarize the content of the webpage, making it a valuable tool for information gathering. This unique feature places Windows Copilot ahead of Apple’s Siri assistant, which, although capable, provides less detailed answers.
As of the latest data from StatCounter, Windows 11 has garnered around 24% of the desktop PC market, with Windows 10 still commanding a substantial 72% share, supported until October 2025. Microsoft sees the adoption of Windows 11 as pivotal to its strategic goals, considering it as a cornerstone for Microsoft 365 productivity applications and a launching pad for growth in the Azure public cloud.
Copilot is arguably the most significant feature of this year’s Windows 11 update. A select group of users have been testing Copilot through a “continuous innovation” release initiated in September. This approach allows Microsoft to deliver new features to customers multiple times a year, deviating from its traditional annual schedule.
With a simple click on the Copilot icon in the taskbar or using the Windows+C keyboard shortcut, users can initiate text conversations with this virtual assistant. Designed to outperform its predecessor, Cortana, Copilot is set to become an indispensable tool for Windows users.
The 2023 Windows 11 update, named 23H2, introduces numerous enhancements.
These include a virtual video editor in the clipchamp app, improved polyglot screen reading with support for more languages in Windows narrator, energy-saving adaptive dimming, the ability to boot to the cloud for cloud-based Windows users, a smarter snipping tool for text extraction, notepad with automatic work-saving, easier picture hunting via keyword searches in the photos app, file recommendations at work for improved productivity, the option to play “instant games” without downloads, a developer landing pad for software developers, and a dedicated page in the start menu for managing system components.
Some of these features may be gradually introduced, with Copilot currently available only in North America and parts of Asia and South America, with plans to expand its availability to other regions.
For those eager to try out these new features, they can do so by checking for updates through the Windows Update section in the Settings app. Microsoft will make this update available to all Windows 11 users, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition for everyone. This update is set to redefine the Windows 11 experience, making it even more intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable for users worldwide.
(Source: Jordan Novet | CNBC | Devindra Hardawar | Engadget)
