A new Windows 11 update is being released today, featuring a host of exciting new capabilities.
Overview of Microsoft’s Copilot+ Features
Microsoft’s Copilot+ was introduced almost a year ago, offering a wide range of on-device AI features designed for new laptops. While the new devices were released shortly after the announcement, the rollout of some features faced delays. However, if you’ve recently purchased a Windows 11 Copilot+ PC, you’ll now have access to a comprehensive list of functionalities.
Key Features of Copilot+
Though many of these features have already been discussed in previous announcements, those in the Dev channel have had early access. Here’s a closer look:
Recall: Your PC’s Photographic Memory
One of the standout features is Recall, intended to be a digital memory for your PC. Initially scheduled for release on June 18, Recall enables your computer to periodically take screenshots of your activities. It then organizes those images, making them searchable for easy retrieval.
For instance, if you were shopping online, you could quickly locate an item you viewed earlier. Despite its innovative concept, Recall faced backlash due to privacy and security worries. Concerns were raised about inadequate data encryption and potential breaches when others used your computer.
To address these issues, Microsoft implemented enhanced security measures, including requiring Windows Hello for user identification. Moreover, Recall’s functionality is now opt-in, allowing users to choose whether to enable it. Users also have control over various settings, such as pausing the feature, excluding certain apps, and managing storage usage.
Click to Do: Interactive Features
Another exciting addition is the Click to Do feature, which is initially available on Snapdragon laptops. This allows users to click with the Windows key and engage with objects on their screen actively. Upon clicking, an overlay appears, offering options like web searching or asking Copilot for assistance.
In addition, if you highlight text, you can choose to summarize or rewrite it. This feature enhances the overall user experience by streamlining interactions within the Windows environment.
Enhanced Windows Search Functionality
Alongside Click to Do, Microsoft has improved the Windows search feature, which is not limited to Snapdragon devices. Users can now utilize natural language to find files and content within Windows without needing to remember exact file names. For example, searching for "a picture of a person in a red shirt" will yield relevant results, making file retrieval more intuitive.
Hardware Requirements for Copilot+
To access the Copilot+ functionalities, you need a compatible laptop that includes specific hardware specifications: an NPU with 40+ TOPS, 16GB RAM, and 256GB storage. The supported chipsets include Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series, Intel’s Lunar Lake, and AMD’s Ryzen AI.
Qualcomm’s NPU is present across their product lineup, meaning that even their lower-end devices are compatible. In contrast, Intel has reserved the Lunar Lake chips for higher-end machines, with Arrow Lake used for the broader market.
Future Developments
Looking forward, these CPU advancements are anticipated to enhance Copilot+ features even further. As Qualcomm and Intel refresh their chipsets, users can expect more powerful NPUs and potentially new features that either require or benefit from these next-generation processors.
In summary, Microsoft’s Copilot+ brings exciting AI-driven improvements to the Windows experience, balancing innovation with user security. With features like Recall and Click to Do, coupled with enhanced search capabilities, the new offering stands to significantly enhance productivity for those using compatible hardware.
