Microsoft Unveils AI-Integrated Future with Windows 11

Microsoft is hinting at the incorporation of artificial intelligence features in Windows 11 ahead of the major operating system update rollout.

The software giant is testing a new "Copilot experience" in Windows this week, including a Copilot icon in the taskbar that activates upon copying text or images.

Microsoft explains in a blog post that the Copilot icon will change appearance and move to indicate assistance availability.

Hovering over the Copilot icon will reveal a list of actions, such as summarizing or explaining the copied text, according to The Verge report.

Copilot can also describe image contents and may assist with image editing in the future. Alongside Copilot changes, Microsoft also confirmed that its Notepad app would soon integrate Copilot AI, allowing text selection and right-clicking for explanation with Copilot, which will decipher text, code snippets, or log files.

Gradually, Microsoft has added more AI features to Windows 11, including the main Copilot program.

This is part of a broader campaign to position Copilot as Microsoft's major AI brand, all while preparing for a significant Windows features update.

Microsoft aims to make 2024 "the year of AI-powered personal computing" and is already adding dedicated assistant keys to keyboards.

Intel, Qualcomm, and others have teased a 2024 Windows "update" focusing on AI, but Microsoft has yet to officially acknowledge its plans.