Microsoft to Introduce Copilot Key on PC Keyboards in 2024
The Copilot key will replace the right Control key on the standard PC keyboard and sit adjacent to the Alt key and left arrow key.
Microsoft has announced a pivotal change to the traditional PC keyboard: the addition of a new 'Copilot' key. This hardware addition is intended to facilitate easier access to AI-driven features directly from the keyboard, marking a significant leap forward in integrating AI into everyday PC usage.
Yusuf Mehdi, Executive Vice President & Consumer Chief Marketing Officer at Microsoft, emphasized the impact of this new key in today's announcement, stating, "The introduction of the Copilot key marks the first significant change to the Windows PC keyboard in nearly three decades. We believe it will empower people to participate in the AI transformation more easily."
The Copilot key will replace the right Control key on the standard PC keyboard and sit adjacent to the Alt key and left arrow key. Upon activation, this key will invoke the Copilot in Windows experience, seamlessly integrating AI capabilities into daily computer use. In regions where Copilot is unavailable, the key will initiate Windows Search.
The first keyboards featuring the Copilot key will debut at this year's CES in Las Vegas, with shipping expected to commence in late February.
This moves underlines Microsoft's commitment to AI integration, signifying a renewed focus on AI-powered experiences within its ecosystem. The company, in partnership with chip manufacturers like AMD and Intel, anticipates a shift toward local silicon for AI inferencing, heralding what they believe will be a transformative moment in AI adoption on Windows PCs.
With this innovative addition, Microsoft aims to further democratize AI usage by integrating it seamlessly into the daily computing experience, paving the way for a more AI-driven future in personal computing.
