May 23, 2023 - Technology

Microsoft adds an AI copilot to Windows

Ina Fried

A screenshot of the new Windows Copilot. Image: Microsoft

Microsoft used its Build developer conference on Tuesday to announce that it is bringing an AI-assisted "copilot" directly into its Windows operating system.

The big picture: Microsoft has already announced plans to put OpenAI's technology into nearly every major product in its portfolio — including its Bing search engine, Edge web browser, and Office apps such as Word, Excel and Powerpoint. It also offers a number of cloud-based AI services through Azure.

"I think over the coming years, this will become an expectation for how all software works," CTO Kevin Scott said in a statement.

Details: The Windows version of the copilot will help users change settings and access other operating system features as well as put the Bing copilot in its own panel, which users can choose to keep in a persistent side panel so it is always available.

Microsoft said it will begin making a preview of Windows Copilot available, starting in June.

Microsoft also used the event to announce:

It is adopting the same plug-in system for Bing as OpenAI is using for ChatGPT, making it easier for developers to work with the AI-powered search chatbot. Microsoft also announced new partners for the Bing Chatbot, including Instacart, Kayak, Klarna, Redfin and Zillow.
Azure will offer a new service that uses AI to help moderate comments on social media. Microsoft has already been using the system with Bing and GitHub.

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Microsoft adds an AI copilot to Windows

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