Microsoft is planning to release the next set of updates with over 150 features for Windows that will include Windows Copilot, a new AI-powered touted to be the everyday companion, a new File Explorer, Ink Anywhere feature for those who use pen, DALL.E 3 support to Bing Image Creator, and some tweaks to Paint, among other things on September 26th.
Among these, the Windows Copilot is making many headlines. This will be Microsoft’s second attempt at integrating a digital assistant after the shutting down of Cortana. Earlier, Microsoft released GPT-4 based Security Copilot for security professionals to analyse and identify breaches. With the new Windows 11 22H2 update, Microsoft will bring the Bing Chat directly to Windows 11, which will appear on the sidebar.
“Copilot will uniquely incorporate the context and intelligence of the web, your work data and what you are doing in the moment on your PC to provide better assistance – with your privacy and security at the forefront,” Microsoft said in a blog post. “It will be a simple and seamless experience, available in Windows 11, Microsoft 365, and in our web browser with Edge and Bing. It will work as an app or reveal itself when you need it with a right click.”
Microsoft officials demonstrated various features of the Copilot. In the demo, Copilot pulled data from other apps, like Outlook or Calendar, to write detailed text messages. Users can also use voice or text commands to toggle dark mode, arrange windows, launch specific apps, and remove photo backgrounds, as reported by The Verge.
Microsoft will also update the File Explorer with a modern interface, including bigger thumbnails, easily accessible tools such as home, address bar, and search box, alongwith a new Gallery feature for easy access to your photos.
For stylus users, Windows has provided an Ink Anywhere feature, where you can write anywhere on your screen, and it will convert it into text, reported The Verge.
Furthermore, a new and improved Windows Backup helps customers transition files, apps and settings from one PC to another without much hassle.
A new improvement in the Notepad will help those users who are in the habit of closing the app without saving the document. With the new update, you can close Notepad and then return to work on the remaining document like you never closed it in the first place. Notepad will automatically save the document and restore it when opened.
An update to Outlook for Windows will help users write emails with the help of AI and a host of tools for improving productivity, such as My Day, to help users see upcoming events, including package delivery and travel dates.
Microsoft also integrated AI into the Paint app, allowing users to remove backgrounds and layers alongwith a Cocreater feature that will use DALL.E to create art.
The Photos app has also been updated with features such as Background Blur with a single click, letting the app do the job. Microsoft has also improved the search feature in OneDrive, allowing users to search photos based on location.
Lastly, the Snipping Tool gets a much-needed update whereby users can capture screen content and extract specific texts from an image. This update will also protect users’ privacy by providing various options like text redaction.
Some features that are not still available in the 22H2 update will be available a little later. This includes a new volume mixer, native RAR and 7-zip support, app labels, and Dynamic Lighting for those interested in RGB accessories.
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