Press for Copilot!
If you follow my blog entries you will be well aware of the launch of Copilot and how it will likely impact daily usage of several Microsoft Office software applications. But now the addition of the AI facility is set to impact User hardware too.
Microsoft is poised to make 2024 the year of the AI PC with a ground breaking update to the keyboard layout on new laptops and PCs. The focal point of this transformation is the introduction of the Copilot key, a dedicated button on the keyboard offering quick access to Microsoft’s AI-powered Windows Copilot experience.
Copilot Key
This Copilot key marks the most significant change to the Windows PC keyboard layout in nearly three decades.
Nearly 30 years ago, we introduced the Windows key to the PC keyboard that enabled people all over the world to interact with Windows. We see this as another transformative moment in our journey with Windows where Copilot will be the entry point into the world of AI on the PC.”
Yusuf Mehdi, Executive Vice President and Consumer Chief Marketing Officer at Microsoft
The Copilot key will replace the menu key (application key) introduced decades ago, located next to the right-hand alt key on most Windows keyboards (see video here). Its placement may vary by OEM (Dell, HP, Lenovo etc) and across different markets, reminiscent of Microsoft’s dedicated Office key added in 2019. The Copilot key simplifies access to the Windows Copilot, the ChatGPT-like chatbot integrated into Windows 11, capable of answering queries and performing actions within the system.
Image: Microsoft
In the absence of Windows Copilot in certain regions, the Copilot key seamlessly transitions to launching Windows Search. While the existing Windows key provides access to the Start menu or combines with other keys for various shortcuts, the Copilot key, for now, serves as a launch key exclusively. Whether Microsoft plans to enable the Copilot key for combinations with other keys remains unclear.
Although Microsoft has yet to disclose which OEMs will adopt the Copilot key, details are anticipated to be revealed at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show and beyond.
We’ll start to see the Copilot key unveiled on new Windows 11 PCs from our ecosystem partners, with availability beginning later this month through Spring, including on upcoming Surface devices.
Yusuf Mehdi, Executive Vice President and Consumer Chief Marketing Officer at Microsoft
Rumours surrounding new Microsoft Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 models in Spring 2024 have been confirmed with the dedicated Copilot key inclusion. The Copilot key is part of Microsoft’s broader initiative, with 2024 being touted as the year of the AI PC. This aligns with Microsoft’s plan for a Windows refresh, focusing on new AI features and expanding AI integration into various aspects of its software and services. In addition, the recent branding of Microsoft Edge as the AI browser underscores Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to advancing AI technology.
Thanks
Richard
