Microsoft - A new AI Key Keyboard

Microsoft has recently announced the biggest change to its keyboards in three decades with the introduction of an artificial intelligence (AI) key. The key that replaces the Windows Menu key will allow users to access Copilot, Microsoft’s AI tool, on new Windows 11 PCs.

Copilot is an AI companion that helps users with various tasks such as searching, writing emails, creating images, and more.

What is the AI key keyboard?

The AI key keyboard is a new standard PC keyboard layout that features a Copilot key, which joins the Windows key as a core part of the PC keyboard, demonstrating how AI is likely to feature more in every day user computing. The Copilot key is located on the bottom row of the keyboard, next to the Windows key and the Alt key, when pressed, the Copilot key will invoke the Copilot in Windows experience.

How does the AI key keyboard work?

The AI key keyboard works by leveraging the power of Copilot, Microsoft’s AI tool that is powered by OpenAI, a leading AI research organization that Microsoft is a major investor in, billions of dollars. Copilot is integrated into various Microsoft products such as Windows 11, Microsoft 365, and Bing, and can help users with a range of functions such as:

• Searching: Copilot can help users find information, answers, and suggestions from the web, their files, and their apps, using natural language queries.
• Writing: Copilot can help users write emails, documents, and presentations, by generating text, summarizing content, and providing feedback.
• Creating: Copilot can help users create images, graphics, and videos, by using AI models to generate, edit, and enhance visual content.

To use the AI key keyboard, users simply need to press the Copilot key and type or speak their request. Copilot will then respond with the best possible solution, either by showing the results on the screen, opening the relevant app, or performing the action. Users can also use the Copilot key in combination with other keys to access specific features as is possible with the Windows key.

Why is the AI key keyboard a game-changer for Windows users?

The AI key keyboard is a game-changer for Windows users because it represents a significant shift toward a more personal and intelligent computing future, where AI will be seamlessly woven into Windows from the system, to the hardware. This will not only simplify users’ computing experience, but also amplify it, marking 2024 as the year of the AI PC.