Microsoft is rolling out several artificial intelligence (AI) updates to Windows 11, specifically to enhance the functionality of its Copilot AI. These updates are trying to make Microsoft AI more appealing to users by having it automate some tasks, understand your speech, and connect to other services across different devices.
The biggest new addition will now let Windows 11 users use Copilot by saying "Hey, Copilot." This functionality can be enabled by enabling the "Hey, Copilot" setting in the Copilot app. Then you can verbally activate Copilot with that phrase and ask it a question. To end the conversation, you can say "Goodbye" or not speak for several seconds.
Users have already made the apt comparison to Microsoft's previous attempt at a AI assistant, Cortana. Cortana was an assistant that Microsoft released to try to compete with other services such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Home. It wasn't great and was eventually discontinued in fall 2023.
As of today, more countries now have access to Copilot Vision. This is a tool that allows Copilot to analyze content on your screen and answer questions related to that content. Insiders will also get access to a feature that will allow them to access Copilot Vision through text and not just voice.
Copilot Actions is a new mode that allows the AI to carry out various tasks for users. These tasks include things like making restaurant reservations or ordering groceries, just as a couple of examples.
Microsoft is attempting to get out ahead of the obvious privacy concerns backlash by saying that these new features will start only with limited permissions. The new features will only be granted access to permissions and content that a user explicitly grants.
Finally, Microsoft also mentioned that their Gaming Copilot (beta) is included with the newly released ROG Xbox Ally.
If you are like me, you'll probably already have all of this Copilot stuff disabled or hidden on your PC anyway.
