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Who most hopes that 2024 will be the "year of AI PCs", never expected that it will not be Lenovo, Dell, Apple, HP, but Microsoft, which has promoted GenAI most radically in the past year. Microsoft's idea of integrating Copilot into everything has gone one step further!
The new AI notebook and PC keyboard that brings major changes is about to kick off!
1. The biggest change in the PC keyboard in 30 years is coming
According to foreign media theVerge, the new Copilot key will be available on a variety of new PCs and laptops from Microsoft partners, and you can quickly access Microsoft's AI-powered Windows Copilot experience by simply pressing the keyboard button.
The Copilot key is the first major change in the layout of the Windows PC keyboard in nearly three decades. "Nearly 30 years ago, we introduced Windows keys to PC keyboards to enable people around the world to interact with Windows," said Yusuf Mehdi, executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer at Microsoft. "We see this as another transformative moment in our Windows journey, where Copilot will be the gateway to the world of AI on PC. ”
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The new Copilot key is located next to the alt key on the right, replacing the CTR key on the right. Image: Microsoft
This new Copilot key will replace the menu key (application key) that was introduced decades ago along with the Windows key. It will be placed next to the right-hand alt key on most keyboards, and the location will vary depending on the OEM and different markets.
It's worth mentioning that Microsoft also added dedicated Office keys to its own keyboard in 2019. The Copilot key simply launches Windows Copilot, which is built into Windows 11, providing a ChatGPT-like chatbot that can answer queries and even take action in Windows.
While the existing Windows key can open the Start menu or be combined with a variety of other keys to be used as shortcuts to Windows features and functions, the Copilot key is currently only a startup key. It's unclear if Microsoft plans to let you use the Copilot key in combination with other keys in the future.
2. More than just keyboards, Microsoft's package of AI ambitions
In addition, Microsoft did not say which OEMs will add the Copilot key, leaving an announcement for next week's Consumer Electronics Show and beyond. Mehdi said we'll "start seeing our ecosystem partners announce the Copilot key on new Windows 11 PCs, starting later this month through the spring, including on upcoming Surface devices." ”
It was previously rumored that Microsoft would launch the new Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 models in the spring, and the dedicated Copilot key on Surface devices was a rumor, and now look, this has been confirmed.
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Copilot键将启动微软内置的Windows Copilot体验。 截图作者:Tom Warren / The Verge
Microsoft has been working on building Copilot into everything throughout 2023, and this new Copilot key is clearly part of a larger AI-powered plan for Windows in 2024. "In the new year, we're about to usher in a major shift towards a more personalized and intelligent computing future, where AI will be seamlessly integrated into Windows, from the system, to the chips, to the hardware," Mehdi said. "This will not only simplify people's computing experience, but it will amplify it, making 2024 the year of AI PCs." ”
It is reported that Microsoft is working on Windows "refresh", which will focus on new AI features while adding AI to more and more parts of its software and services. Microsoft even named Microsoft Edge "AI Browser" at the beginning of the year, suggesting that Microsoft's AI push is far from over.
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Microsoft's new Edge brand on mobile devices. Screenshot of Tom Warren/The Verge
Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer, wrote in a statement on the 4th, "We believe it will make it easier for people to participate in the AI transformation. The Copilot key, along with the Windows key, is a core part of the PC keyboard. Press this new key and let Copiot fit seamlessly into your daily routine. ”
3. It's a little regrettable that it is expected to be shipped at the end of February
Is it true that as long as you can get such a computer with the Copilot key, you can break through geographical restrictions and use the power of Copilot?
Unfortunately, in countries where Windows Copilot is not currently supported, the Copilot key will instead launch Windows Search.
What about the old keyboard? Don't worry about it, you can remap the right Ctr key to the Copilot key.
According to the latest news, the first keyboard with new keys will be launched at CES in Las Vegas this year, and it is expected to ship as soon as the end of February.
4. Microsoft's AI full chain has been completed
Microsoft's bet on AI continues to grow, and as mentioned above, it's almost everywhere, from chips to systems to cloud and hardware. At the chip level, Microsoft is working with partners such as AMD and Intel to transfer a large number of AI inferences to local chips, and at the system level, Microsoft has launched BingChat, Office Copilot, and recently the renaming of the AI browser last year.
At the level of hardware equipment, it is often the last mile to open up the use of the whole people. It's not so much that the Copilot key is a common marketing maneuver for Microsoft, but rather that people are looking forward to having a tentacle portal to the physical world with silicon-based life.
5、One More Thing
Finally, I heard that Microsoft is working on a new product: a very nice new ergonomic keyboard. This is a new change a few months after Microsoft announced its focus on the Surface brand, and high-quality PC accessories are expected to warm up this winter.
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Microsoft's ergonomic keyboard will also continue to feature the Microsoft-branded Incase. Image: Incase
Last year, Microsoft surprised everyone by deciding to stop its popular mouse, keyboard, and PC accessories. After decades of using Microsoft-branded PC hardware, the software giant suddenly decided to focus on the Surface brand. Now, thanks to accessory manufacturer Incase, Microsoft's PC accessories will continue with a unique partnership.
Microsoft-designed mice will also continue to be available, including Bluetooth ergonomic mice and modern mobile mice. Incase will also offer Microsoft-designed speakers, audio docks, headphones, and a modern webcam. A total of 23 products will be available later this year.
Source: 51CTO Technology Stack