Microsoft is set to roll out an update to Windows 11 that will place its AI-powered Bing tool front and center on the operating system’s taskbar. This move is the latest indication that the company is doubling down on its AI technology, despite recent controversy.
The AI tool will be accessible from the Windows search box, which has over half a billion monthly users, according to Microsoft. This prime real estate on the taskbar will eventually expose more users to the new feature.
Although a preview version of the AI tool is available on a limited basis, only users of the new Bing preview will have access to its additional AI capabilities out of the gate.
Earlier this month, Microsoft said it was looking for ways to rein in Bing’s AI chatbot after users highlighted responses that ranged from inaccurate to emotionally reactive. Despite such early hiccups, the company said that it is feeling very good about the product experience for people and continues to learn from feedback.
Microsoft’s chief product officer, Panos Panay, said that “AI itself is reinventing right now…and it’s just the beginning”. He likened the AI changes coming to the PC to how the keyboard and mouse changed the way we interact with computers.
Microsoft’s efforts around AI have only grown. Last year, the company unveiled several AI-powered Windows 11 features, such as automatic framing and live video captions.
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OpenAI
Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI, the company behind the viral AI chatbot tool ChatGPT, demonstrates the company’s commitment to AI. Microsoft launched its AI chatbot tool in early February, and one million people have since tried it out in 169 countries, according to Microsoft. The company has since expanded it to the Bing and Edge browser mobile apps and Skype.
Adding the AI tool to the Windows’ search bar is a significant move from the company and reflects its greater effort to “go all-in on AI,” according to Patrick Moorhead, president and principal analyst at Moore Insights and Strategy.
With the new update, Microsoft is showing its confidence in AI technology and is making it more accessible to Windows users. As AI continues to evolve and improve, Microsoft is positioning itself as a leader in this space.
The integration of Bing’s AI capabilities into Windows 11’s taskbar is aimed at making the AI tool more accessible to users, with more than half a billion users accessing the search box every month. While a preview version of the AI tool is currently available on a limited basis, the update will put the tool front and center on the taskbar, making it more widely available.
The new Bing integration is part of Microsoft’s efforts to double down on AI, with the company investing in OpenAI and launching its own AI chatbot tool earlier this year. The addition of Bing to the Windows search bar is a significant step for the company and reflects its broader efforts to “go all-in on AI,” according to Patrick Moorhead, president and principal analyst at Moore Insights and Strategy.
Windows Experience
In addition to the Bing integration, Microsoft is also taking steps to improve the Windows experience for users of Apple and Samsung devices. Apple users will now be able to receive iOS alerts and messages directly on their Windows 11 devices, potentially chipping away at Apple’s closed ecosystem.
The new iOS support does not, however, work with replying to group iMessages or sending media such as photos and videos in messages.
Microsoft’s move to add iOS messages to PCs was not done in direct partnership with Apple, but instead via Bluetooth technology. Apple has been hesitant to open up its iMessage APIs to vendors like Microsoft, according to Moorhead.
Meanwhile, for Samsung device users, Microsoft is making it easier to activate their phone’s personal hotspot with a single click from within the Wi-Fi network list on their PC. The company is also adding a Recent Websites feature that allows users to transfer their browser sessions from their smartphone to their Windows PC.
Microsoft’s latest updates to Windows 11 are aimed at improving the user experience and making the operating system more accessible to a wider range of users.
With AI capabilities now front and center on the taskbar, and improved experiences for users of Apple and Samsung devices, Microsoft is continuing to invest in innovation and technology to meet the evolving needs of its users.
Microsoft’s newest operating system, Windows 11, was released in October 2021, and has been touted as a major update to the widely used Windows operating system. With new features and a redesigned interface, Microsoft is hoping to modernize the platform and offer users a better experience.
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New Design
One of the most significant changes in Windows 11 is its new design. The interface has been updated with a more streamlined look and feel, and the taskbar has been centered for a more balanced layout. The start menu has also been redesigned and now features a grid of apps and pinned sites, making it easier to access your favorite programs and websites.
In addition to the new design, Windows 11 offers several new features. One of the most notable is Snap Layouts, which allows users to quickly organize multiple windows on their screen. Users can choose from a variety of layouts and customize the size and position of each window. This is particularly useful for multitasking, as it allows users to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Another new feature in Windows 11 is Snap Groups. This feature lets users save groups of apps together and then quickly launch them with a single click. Users can also set up multiple virtual desktops, allowing them to organize their workspaces based on different projects or tasks.
Windows 11 also offers improved performance and security. The operating system runs faster than previous versions of Windows, thanks to improved memory management and a streamlined code base. Additionally, Microsoft has added new security features, including a built-in antivirus program and enhanced protection against malware and other threats.
One controversial change in Windows 11 is the requirement for a TPM 2.0 chip. This is a security feature that provides additional protection against certain types of attacks. However, not all computers are equipped with a TPM 2.0 chip, which has led to some criticism of the new operating system.
Photo: The Win Central
