Microsoft's Vision for the Future: AI-Powered PCs and a New Way to Interact
Imagine a world where your computer understands your voice commands and becomes your AI assistant, ready to take action on your behalf. That's the exciting future Microsoft is envisioning as it prepares to bid farewell to Windows 10 and celebrate the 40-year milestone of its operating system.
But here's where it gets controversial... Microsoft believes that the next evolution of computing lies in integrating AI into every Windows 11 PC, creating an AI-powered ecosystem where users can simply talk to their devices. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer, shared his vision: "Let's rewrite the entire operating system around AI, building the ultimate AI PC."
And this is the part most people miss... Microsoft is not just talking about a simple chatbot; they want to revolutionize the way we interact with our PCs. With the launch of new capabilities in Windows, Microsoft aims to make AI features accessible to regular users, without the need for specialized hardware.
The biggest shift? Microsoft predicts that users will embrace talking to their computers, allowing Copilot, their AI assistant, to take actions on their behalf. "You should be able to talk to your PC, have it understand you, and then experience the magic," says Mehdi. With user permission, Microsoft aims to create a seamless integration between the user and their AI, where the PC acts as an extension of their commands.
To achieve this, Microsoft is relying on Copilot's Voice and Vision capabilities. The introduction of the "Hey, Copilot!" wake word on Windows 11 PCs marks a significant step towards making voice input a natural and intuitive way to interact with our devices. Mehdi believes that voice will become the third input mechanism, offering a new and profound way to engage with our PCs.
However, Microsoft isn't a stranger to voice-based interactions. They've attempted to convince users to use Cortana on Windows 10 PCs in the past and have added various voice features for accessibility over the years. But the question remains: will people embrace talking to their PCs?
Mehdi argues that the data speaks for itself. People love using voice commands, as seen in the billions of minutes spent talking in Microsoft Teams meetings. He believes that the shift from using voice as a tool to engaging in natural conversations with our devices is imminent, and it will revolutionize the way we interact with technology.
But here's a thought-provoking question: Do you think most people are ready to talk to their computers? While it offers great accessibility and assistance with apps, it's a bold step towards a more conversational relationship with our devices.
For AI to control a PC, it needs access to what's on the screen. Microsoft has been testing Copilot Vision, a feature that scans your screen and provides guidance on using apps, answering questions about photos and documents. Copilot Vision is now available worldwide, offering help with apps, troubleshooting PC issues, and even providing step-by-step guidance in games.
The next step, Copilot Actions, allows Microsoft's AI assistant to take actions on a local PC, such as editing photos. Microsoft is cautiously testing these actions through a preview program, focusing on optimizing the AI model. Navjot Virk, corporate vice president of Windows Experiences, explains that users might encounter some challenges and mistakes initially, but Microsoft is committed to learning and improving the experience over time.
Copilot Actions operates in a secure and contained environment on the Windows desktop, using an AI agent to complete tasks. Users can monitor the steps taken by the AI and watch it work in the background while they focus on other tasks.
Microsoft is also integrating Copilot into the Windows taskbar, providing one-click access to Copilot Vision and Voice features. Additionally, it offers a new integrated search experience for faster access to local files, apps, and settings.
After the Recall incident last year, Microsoft faces the challenge of regaining trust in its Copilot Vision and Actions features. Convincing people to talk to their PCs might be an uphill battle, but Microsoft is determined. The company plans to run television ads highlighting these new AI features in Windows 11, with the tagline "Meet the computer you can talk to."
As Windows 10 reaches its end-of-support phase, Microsoft is promoting Windows 11 PCs, aiming to create a new generation of PCs that are not just tools but true partners. "We want every person to experience a PC that enhances their capabilities and becomes an extension of themselves," says Mehdi.
What do you think about Microsoft's vision for the future of computing? Are you ready to embrace AI-powered PCs and talk to your devices? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
