Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update introduces a suite of artificial intelligence (AI) features designed to enhance user productivity and creativity. These innovations, rolling out gradually, are tailored to leverage the capabilities of Copilot+ PCs, particularly those powered by Snapdragon processors.
Copilot Vision: A New Dimension in User Assistance
One of the standout additions is Copilot Vision, an AI tool integrated into the Copilot assistant. This feature allows real-time interaction with desktop content, enabling users to share app views or their entire desktop. Copilot then provides contextual suggestions or highlights areas for interaction. Initially, this functionality is exclusive to U.S. users. (windowscentral.com)
AI Agent in Settings: Simplifying System Configuration
The update also introduces an AI-powered agent within the Settings app. This interface allows users to make changes by typing natural language commands, such as “make my cursor larger.” Currently, this feature is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, starting with Snapdragon-powered devices. (windowscentral.com)
Relight in Photos: Enhancing Image Quality
For photography enthusiasts, the Relight feature in the Photos app offers AI-powered photo enhancement. Users can add virtual light sources and styles to images, with presets and manual controls available. This feature is currently exclusive to Copilot+ Snapdragon PCs. (windowscentral.com)
Object Select in Paint: Streamlining Image Editing
The Paint application now includes Object Select, an AI-driven tool that simplifies isolating and cutting objects from images. Additionally, a sticker generator allows users to create custom stickers via prompts. These features are available to all Copilot+ platforms. (windowscentral.com)
Perfect Screenshot in Snipping Tool: Precision in Captures
The Snipping Tool has been enhanced with the Perfect Screenshot feature, which uses AI to auto-crop screenshots, isolating content more effectively. A new color picker tool has also been added for professionals. These enhancements are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs across all platforms. (windowscentral.com)
Quick Machine Recovery and Redesigned BSOD: Improving System Reliability
Microsoft has redesigned the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to a simplified black screen that displays error messages more quickly. A new automatic recovery feature detects and restores systems in a boot loop, aiming to enhance system reliability. (windowscentral.com)
Copilot+ PCs: Bridging the Feature Gap
While these AI features are rolling out, there is a noticeable performance and feature availability gap between Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs and those powered by Intel and AMD. Microsoft has released new Windows Insider builds introducing Copilot+ features for AMD and Intel-powered PCs, aiming to enhance accessibility and usability. However, these improvements have only just started rolling out to Intel and AMD systems, creating a disparity in release timelines. (windowscentral.com)
Redesigned Widgets Board: Personalized Content Delivery
Microsoft is trialing a redesigned Widgets Board for Windows 11, introducing a new feature called Copilot Discover. This AI-powered feed curates personalized content based on user preferences and Copilot usage, offering a cleaner and faster interface with improved scrolling and larger, more readable text boxes. This redesign is currently being tested with select users and may roll out more widely pending feedback. (windowscentral.com)
Recall Feature: Enhancing Search Functionality
The controversial Recall feature has been officially released for Copilot+ PCs. Recall captures and stores screenshots of user activity locally to enable comprehensive search functionality. Despite privacy concerns, Microsoft has added safeguards such as encryption via the PC's Trusted Platform Module and Windows Hello authentication, along with controls over data retention and filtering options. (tomshardware.com)
Conclusion
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update marks a significant step in integrating AI into the operating system, offering users enhanced productivity and creative tools. While the rollout is gradual and some features are currently exclusive to specific hardware configurations, these advancements underscore Microsoft's commitment to leveraging AI to improve user experiences.
Source: Telegrafi New Windows 11 update brings a wide range of artificial intelligence features
