Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been the buzzword for quite some time now, with its presence being felt everywhere from ChatGPT to Bing Chat. The latest entrant into this AI-dominated space is none other than Microsoft, which is integrating AI as an assistant throughout its newest operating system, Windows 11. The ubiquitousness of AI might feel overwhelming to some, but the newly introduced Windows Copilot, an AI assistant designed to make your interactions with your computer more intuitive and efficient, might just change your perspective.
Windows Copilot is essentially Bing Chat at your desktop service, using the same AI model as the chatbot in Microsoft Edge. What sets it apart is not the AI model itself, but how it is seamlessly integrated into the Windows ecosystem. It’s an ever-alert assistant that keeps track of your clipboard, interacts with images directly dropped into it, and even works with the Snipping Tool, Windows 11’s screenshot utility. The Copilot’s deep integration with Windows makes it feel like a natural extension of the operating system, enhancing the user experience in ways hitherto unimagined.
Microsoft’s New AI Feature: Windows Copilot
After a series of AI evolutions from ChatGPT to Bing Chat, Microsoft has now brought AI to Windows 11 in the form of an all-encompassing assistant, Windows Copilot. This new feature, unveiled at Microsoft’s September 2023 event, has significantly raised the bar for AI integration.
What is Windows Copilot?
Windows Copilot is essentially Bing Chat adapted for your desktop. While it uses the same underlying AI model as Bing Chat, its uniqueness lies in its integration into Windows. The AI is always aware of your clipboard content and will interact with you based on it. For example, if you copy a list of tourist attractions, Copilot will prompt you with options such as creating a table ranking them by distance.
Interacting with Copilot
Copilot’s interaction is not limited to the clipboard. You can drag and drop any photo into Copilot, and it will identify the object and provide relevant information or suggestions. For instance, find a picture of a dish, ask “How do I make this?” and Copilot will generate a list of recipes.
The feature extends to Windows 11’s screenshot utility, Snipping Tool, as well. Copilot can automatically pick up a screenshot and interact with it. During the demo, Microsoft used Snipping Tool to capture an image of a triangle and asked Copilot to calculate each angle. The AI not only performed the calculation but also explained the underlying math and provided educational YouTube links.
More Than Just an AI Assistant
The real strength of Copilot lies in its context-sensitive interaction. It feels like a natural part of the OS, not just an add-on tool. Copilot also extends beyond Microsoft’s pre-set prompts. If you are experiencing issues with your PC, Copilot can guide you to the built-in Windows troubleshooters.
Moreover, Copilot remembers your interaction history, which can be deleted at your discretion. This feature allows the AI to learn your preferences over time, making its suggestions even more personalized and relevant.
The Future of Copilot
Despite the promising start, it remains to be seen how Copilot performs over time. Potential issues, similar to those experienced with Bing Chat, may arise. However, we won’t have to wait long to find out as Copilot is set to launch as a feature update to Windows 11 on September 26.
Takeaways
Windows Copilot represents a significant step forward in AI integration into operating systems. Its deep integration and context-sensitive interactions set it apart from previous AI tools. However, the success of Copilot will ultimately depend on its ability to learn from user interactions and provide relevant and accurate assistance. The future of AI in operating systems is indeed exciting, and Copilot is leading the way.
