For the first time in nearly 30 years, Microsoft has made a significant change to its standard keyboard layout by adding a new button. This exciting development was announced by Microsoft at the end of 2023 and officially presented in early January 2024. The new key, adorned with an enigmatic swirl, will be positioned on the right side between the Alt and Ctrl keys, potentially replacing the button responsible for calling up the context menu.
So, what does this new key do? It will activate Microsoft’s AI assistant, Copilot. Copilot was initially introduced in the Microsoft 365 suite and Microsoft Edge browser, and more recently, it became available directly in Windows 10 and 11 operating systems, although not in all regions.
Yusuf Mehdi, Consumer Marketing Director at Microsoft, explains, “We believe that the Copilot key will enable people to participate more easily in the AI transformation. The Copilot key connects with the Windows key and is a fundamental part of the PC keyboard. When pressed, the new key will invoke the Copilot function in the Windows system, making the use of Copilot in daily activities seamless.”
The Copilot key will be a standard feature on all new official Microsoft devices, including Microsoft Surface laptops. Additionally, some laptops from external manufacturers will gradually adopt the new standard to provide their users with easy access to the AI assistant.
But what about regions where Copilot is not available? According to current information, pressing the new key will launch the Windows search function, ensuring that all users can still benefit from this new addition to the keyboard.
This introduction of the new button marks the first significant change in the Windows computer keyboard standard since 1994. Almost 30 years ago, Microsoft added the “Windows” and “menu” keys, with the latter often omitted from compact keyboards or laptops nowadays.
With the addition of the Copilot key, Microsoft is embracing the AI revolution and aiming to make it more accessible and user-friendly. This innovation aligns with their commitment to empowering users and enhancing their productivity.
As technology continues to evolve, it’s exciting to see how even small modifications to everyday devices like keyboards can have a significant impact on our digital experiences. The introduction of the Copilot key opens up new possibilities for users to seamlessly interact with AI technology and unlock its full potential.
So, get ready to embrace the future of computing with Microsoft’s new Copilot key, revolutionizing the way we navigate and interact with our devices.
