Microsoft recently showcased a series of new AI features currently under testing, with the most notable addition being the 'Ask Copilot' entry in the Windows 11 taskbar and the deep integration of Microsoft 365 Copilot into File Explorer. Users can quickly invoke AI services via the taskbar icon, text input, or voice command 'Hey Copilot' for semantic searches, task collaboration, and information processing. After initiating a Copilot task, the AI agent appears as a standalone icon on the taskbar with a status indicator, allowing users to hover over it to view task progress and details. In File Explorer, when users select a file, Copilot can generate summaries, provide processing suggestions, and hovering over documents triggers AI-enhanced features. Additionally, Windows Search has been enhanced to support semantic searches across local and cloud environments, enabling users to quickly locate content based on descriptions. Microsoft stated that these features will be gradually rolled out to all users in the coming weeks, aiming to enhance productivity and decision-making efficiency without altering existing user habits.
