Microsoft is ushering in the “year of the AI PC” with a groundbreaking announcement—a new Copilot key for your PC keyboard. Representing the first significant change to the standard Windows PC keyboard in almost three decades, this Copilot key aims to redefine how users engage with AI experiences on their PCs.
Yusuf Mehdi, Executive Vice President & Consumer Chief Marketing Officer at Microsoft, states, “The Copilot key marks the first significant change to the Windows PC keyboard in nearly three decades. We believe it will empower people to participate in the AI transformation more easily.”
Based on the provided image, the Copilot key is set to replace the right Control key on the traditional PC keyboard. Nestled between the Alt key and the left arrow key, this addition aims to seamlessly integrate Copilot into users’ day-to-day activities.
When activated, the Copilot key invokes the Copilot in Windows experience, streamlining engagement with AI functionalities. In regions where Copilot is not available, the key will serve as a shortcut to Windows Search.
The introduction of the Copilot key reflects Microsoft’s commitment to the AI journey, aligning with its vision of unlocking new AI experiences on the Windows PC. Microsoft, in collaboration with chip partners like AMD and Intel, envisions offloading AI inferencing onto local silicon, heralding a transformative moment for AI on the PC.
The first keyboards featuring the Copilot key are set to debut at CES in Las Vegas, with shipments expected to commence in late February. While Microsoft encourages users to embrace this evolution in keyboard design, existing keyboards will continue to function as before, offering users the flexibility to adapt to this innovative change or maintain the status quo. The Copilot key stands as a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to integrating AI seamlessly into the daily computing experience, promising a revolutionary chapter in the evolution of the PC keyboard.
