Microsoft hopes that 2024 will become the "Year of AI PCs" and will usher in a new era by making significant adjustments to the keyboards of new Windows laptops and personal computers (PCs).
On Thursday local time, Microsoft announced the introduction of the Copilot key into Windows 11 computers, allowing users to quickly access artificial intelligence (AI) driven Windows Copilot services with just the press of keyboard keys. The first batch of devices equipped with new keys will be launched this month.
Microsoft claims that in the new year, there will be a significant shift towards a more personalized and intelligent computing future, where artificial intelligence will seamlessly integrate into Windows from systems, chips, to hardware.
This is also the first major change in the layout of Windows PC keyboards in nearly 30 years. Yusuf Mehdi, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Microsoft, said, "About 30 years ago, we introduced the Windows key on keyboards, allowing global users to interact with the Windows operating system."
Mehdi added that now, the introduction of the Copilot key marks another transformative moment in the journey of Windows, as it will become the gateway for PCs to enter the world of artificial intelligence.
It is reported that the new Copilot key will replace the menu key (application key) introduced with the Windows key for decades. It will be placed next to the right Alt key, but the specific location will depend on the manufacturer and different markets.
According to Microsoft, the function of the Copilot key is very simple. With just one press, the built-in Windows Copilot in Windows 11 system can be launched, providing a chatbot function similar to ChatGPT. It can answer user questions and even help users create images, write emails, and summarize texts.
If the user's country or region has not yet launched the Windows Copilot feature, the function of the Copilot key will be changed to start Windows search.
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Microsoft has not disclosed which device manufacturers will join the Copilot key. Relevant information will be announced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2024) next week, and Microsoft's hardware partners will showcase computers with the Copilot key.
Mehdi said, "We will begin to see the new Windows 11 PC add Copilot keys, which will be launched from later this month to spring, including Microsoft's upcoming Surface device."
Although Windows is no longer as dominant as before, Microsoft still receives approximately 10% of its revenue from this operating system. Therefore, once the wave of PC upgrades arrives, Microsoft's revenue will significantly increase.
Wedbush analyst Dan Ives recently raised Microsoft's target stock price, optimistic about its Copilot chatbots and other artificial intelligence products. Ives believes, "We believe this is Microsoft's' iPhone moment ', and artificial intelligence will change Microsoft's growth trajectory in the coming years."