Without a doubt, Microsoft’s biggest update to Windows 11 in 2023 was the addition of Copilot (formerly known as Bing Chat). Generative AI chatbots have also been tested for Windows 10 by Windows Insider members, and Microsoft is selling them with even more features. In fact, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently said Copilot will be the “gateway to the world of AI on the PC.”
But computer manufacturers seem to be coming up with new ideas for how generative AI features like Copilot could be used in future Windows PCs. today, gizmodo posted an article about viewing Dell’s recent demo showing how easily you can change your PC’s settings using something similar to Copilot.
The demo included a mockup of Windows 11 running with advanced Copilot-like features. According to Gizmodo, Dell has shown how to set the Copilot icon on the Windows 11 taskbar. Clicking that icon allows the user to type or speak the prompt. Use these prompts to view trackball brightness controls or check installed graphics driver versions instead of having to navigate through tons of menus and settings options on your PC. You can ask Copilot to do so.
In another Windows 11 mockup demo, Dell showed how Copilot can automatically set up Wi-Fi security settings when you try to log into a public Wi-Fi router. Users can type or speak to Copilot to request that their PC run at the fastest possible performance settings. That command is executed by Copilot, and you again do not need to make these changes manually.
It’s important to note that Dell’s Windows 11 demo does not mean Microsoft is actively working to extend Copilot in these directions. This is just an idea of what Copilot might be able to do in future versions of Windows. But the fact that Dell went to the trouble of creating these Windows 11 Copilot mockups suggests that at least he has some idea of where one major PC maker could use these AI features. Microsoft plans to expand its use of Copilot in 2024, so you might want to take some notes.
