The Windows 11 passkey experience has been optimized and moving data to a new PC has been streamlined, thanks to an official Windows Backup software suite that was announced by Microsoft last week. (Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft Delivers on Windows 11 Update with AI Enhancements, New Tools

If you blinked you might have missed it. On Tuesday, September 26, Microsoft followed up on its promise to bring new functionality to its Windows 11, along with Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Laptop 3.

It doesn’t take a genius to see why Microsoft has been trying to rebuild its credibility. Now they have added a lot of AI that should help them keep up with their competitors. Laurence Bonk, a writer for engadget.com, attended and reported on the product release and its new tools. Here are his insights.

AI Copilot

The big news here is the inclusion of the new AI-powered Windows Copilot feature. This toolset already exists as part of the Edge browser, but now it is integrated in Windows. Copilot is available in nearly every aspect of the operating system, from Powerpoint to Teams and beyond.

You’ll be able to use Copilot, for instance, to craft text messages using calendar data, explore navigation options in Outlook, generate Spotify playlists, and more. This is generative AI so Copilot will also shop for items based solely on a photo, remove photo backgrounds, and access the Bing Image Creator, which will soon be based on the vastly-improved Dall-E 3. Bing Chat is also now a native feature that exists in the sidebar.

Windows 11

Some current Windows 11 features have received minor updates. The passkey experience has been optimized and moving your data to a new PC has been streamlined, thanks to an official Windows Backup software suite. Voice controls have been expanded and the photos app offer new editing options.

Finally, there’s the just-announced Ink Anywhere feature. This intriguing toolset is exclusively for stylus users interacting with a touchscreen PC or hybrid device. Ink Anywhere lets you draw on the screen in any text box anywhere within the operating system. The OS converts the handwriting to text and uses it in a number of innovative ways.

This is useful for instantaneously uploading notes, but the system also uses AI to automatically answer queries, with Microsoft showing off the tool being used to complete a handwritten math problem.

Bonk seems more than satisfied with the additions Microsoft introduced but not really bowled over. There is more information regarding upgrades to the RAR and 7-zip file formats.

Microsoft is doing the same thing every major platform is doing by introducing the latest in AI to their products. It remains to be seen how successful these additions are.

read more at engadget.com