In a move to enhance user experience, Microsoft has released a comprehensive update for Windows 11 this March, introducing a slew of new features and improvements. From upgrades to Copilot functionality to AI-powered creativity apps, here’s a detailed look at the exciting additions that users can expect.
Copilot Upgrades and Plugins
The Copilot feature, introduced earlier this year, takes a significant leap with the addition of new plugins. These plugins empower Copilot to perform various tasks, from restaurant reservations through OpenTable to grocery ordering via Instacart. Future support for Shopify, Klarna, and Kayak is also in the pipeline. Users can now easily command Copilot for tasks like activating the battery saver, launching applications, or displaying available Wi-Fi networks.
Here are some of the new skills added to Copilot:
- Settings:
- Turn on/off battery saver
- Show device information
- Show system information
- Show battery information
- Open storage page
- Accessibility:
- Launch live captions
- Launch narrator
- Launch screen magnifier
- Open voice access page
- Open text size page
- Open contrast themes page
- Launch voice input
- Device information:
- Show available Wi-Fi network
- Display IP address
- Show available storage space
- Empty recycle bin
AI-Powered Creativity Apps
The update brings AI upgrades to creativity apps in Windows 11. The Photos app now boasts Generative Erase, allowing users to seamlessly remove unwanted objects or imperfections from images. The video editing tool, ClipChamp, gains the ability to eliminate awkward silences in audio tracks.
Android Smartphone as Webcam
A standout feature allows users to turn their Android smartphones into webcams for video calls on Windows 11. Currently in testing with Windows Insiders, this feature requires a smartphone running Android 9 or higher, linked with a Windows app version 1.24012 or higher.
Widget and Snap Layout Improvements
Users now have more control over Widgets, creating personalized boards based on their preferences. Snap layout, a feature for organizing open applications, becomes smarter by remembering user preferences and quickly adapting to organize apps accordingly.
Streamlined Content Sharing
Nearby Share functionality sees improvements, offering faster transfer speeds and simplified device recognition. The Phone Link system enables access to recent photos and the ability to use smartphones as webcams during video conferencing.
Accessibility Enhancements
The update introduces an accessibility feature allowing users to create custom tasks and voice shortcuts for more efficient verbal commands. Tasks range from pasting text and media to pressing keyboard keys or mouse clicks, opening folders, files, apps, or URLs.
Expedited Update Process
Microsoft recommends users enable the “get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option in Windows Update for an expedited update process. However, deployment may vary based on device and region.
