5 Key Announcements from Microsoft Build 2023 - Windows 11 Moment 3

The Microsoft Build conference, a keenly anticipated event on the tech calendar, unveiled a slew of major AI-centric developments this year. As one of the most anticipated events in the tech world, Microsoft Build 2023 didn't disappoint, presenting an array of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-focused advancements. 

Aimed at leveraging the power of AI across Microsoft's range of apps and services, these new features promise to enhance the user experience in unprecedented ways. The commitment to furthering the integration of AI across Microsoft's applications and services has never been clearer. Here's a quick rundown of the five most significant announcements from the event.

AI Copilot Comes to Windows 11

Microsoft is taking a major leap by introducing its AI personal assistant, Copilot, into Windows 11. This smart assistant has already proven its worth in Microsoft Edge, Office applications, and GitHub. Copilot now takes its place in the Windows 11 taskbar, becoming a companion that assists users with their daily tasks. 

Clicking on the taskbar reveals the Copilot sidebar, where users can ask it to summarize, rewrite, and explain text from any application they’re using. The AI Copilot even has the ability to adjust computer settings. 

Alongside this, several other minor updates are set to roll out on Windows 11, including support for Bluetooth LE, a low-energy audio specification, new language support for live captions, and native RGB controls to enhance user control over their system's visuals.

Microsoft 365 Copilot Introduces Plug-ins

In a noteworthy development, Microsoft has added another feather to its cap with the introduction of plug-ins for the 365 Copilot, an AI assistant. This groundbreaking development will offer users three primary types of plug-ins: Teams messages extensions, Power Platform connectors, and tools that harness ChatGPT technology. 

The integration of third-party plug-ins like Atlassian and Adobe will further enrich the user experience. Microsoft also pledged to construct all its Copilot and Bing Chat plug-ins following the same standards OpenAI employs for ChatGPT, aiming to ensure consistency, interoperability, and facilitate a smoother plug-in creation process for developers.

Microsoft Edge and 365 Copilot Integration

One of the significant strides Microsoft has taken is the integration of 365 Copilot within Microsoft Edge. This fusion will allow the AI tool to utilize content from the site you're viewing to assist you with tasks in Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook, Word, Excel, and more. 

This implies that users can, for instance, draft emails, update spreadsheets, generate status updates, and perform numerous other tasks more efficiently. What’s more, the integration will support the innovative plug-ins that are being introduced to the 365 Copilot.

AI-Enhanced Windows Terminal

Furthering the AI thrust, Microsoft is empowering Windows Terminal with an AI-driven chatbot by integrating it with GitHub Copilot. Developers can now take advantage of this chatbot directly within the Terminal to perform various actions, receive code recommendations, and obtain explanations for errors. 

In addition to this, Microsoft revealed its plans to bring the GitHub Copilot to other developer tools like WinDBG. Other notable developer-focused updates include the launch of a new Dev Home dashboard designed to simplify the use of Windows dev machines, AI-generated app review summaries in the Microsoft Store, and a new AI Hub highlighting Windows apps that are harnessing the power of AI.

Bing Becomes ChatGPT's Default Search Experience

In a major coup for Microsoft, Bing has been chosen as the default search engine in OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot, signaling Microsoft's deepening partnership with OpenAI. Consequently, ChatGPT Plus users will start seeing citations sourced from Bing accompanying the chatbot's responses. Additionally, Bing is expanding its range of supported plug-ins. Users can look forward to integrations with several major online platforms like Expedia, Instacart, Kayak, Klarna, Redfin, TripAdvisor, Zillow, and more, broadening its appeal and usability.

In summary, Microsoft Build 2023 has served as a solid testament to Microsoft’s unwavering dedication to leveraging the power of AI across its suite of products and services. Each announcement at the event has been a forward step in harnessing AI to create a more immersive and efficient user experience.

The introduction of the AI Copilot in Windows 11 is set to revolutionize the user interface and offer an unprecedented level of assistance to users in their routine tasks. Moreover, the addition of plug-ins to the 365 Copilot will undoubtedly amplify the capabilities of this AI assistant, promising an even more enriched user experience.

Microsoft Edge's integration with 365 Copilot, too, represents a major leap in how users interact with browser-based applications. With these advancements, Microsoft's vision of creating a seamless, AI-powered ecosystem across its products is becoming a reality.

For developers, the enhancements in Windows Terminal with GitHub Copilot's integration and the introduction of a new Dev Home dashboard underline Microsoft's commitment to equipping developers with cutting-edge AI tools. This is aimed at driving innovation, facilitating error resolution, and promoting efficient coding practices.

Lastly, Bing becoming the default search engine in OpenAI's ChatGPT not only strengthens the bond between Microsoft and OpenAI but also expands Bing's service offerings with a more extensive range of plug-ins.

Microsoft Build 2023: Day 1

Microsoft Build 2023: Day 2

As these AI innovations continue to unfold and evolve, they are set to redefine the tech landscape, opening up new frontiers for users and developers alike. Microsoft Build 2023 will be remembered as the event where Microsoft showcased its AI prowess and underlined its commitment to an AI-centric future.