Microsoft is rolling out a revamped Start menu in Windows 11, introducing deeper Copilot AI integration and a new phone companion panel. These updates aim to streamline user interactions and enhance productivity.
Copilot AI embedded in settings for smarter assistance
The updated Start menu now features Copilot AI directly within the settings menu. This integration allows users to perform tasks such as adjusting system settings or troubleshooting issues through natural language commands. For instance, users can ask Copilot to change display settings or resolve connectivity problems, making system navigation more intuitive.
Microsoft launches affordable Surface AI PCs, with Copilot+ features, Snapdragon chips, and prices starting under $900 for laptops and tablets.
Enhanced Start menu with phone companion panel
A significant addition is the phone companion panel, providing quick access to synced smartphone data. Users can view recent contacts, messages, calls, and battery status of their connected iPhone or Android device directly from the Start menu. This feature enhances continuity between devices, allowing for seamless transitions between PC and mobile tasks.
AI-powered tools across native applications
Microsoft is extending AI capabilities to several native applications:
- Paint: Introduces content-aware selection and the ability to generate digital stickers from text prompts.
- Photos: Features “Relight,” enabling users to add up to three positional light sources to images.
- Snipping Tool: Offers “Perfect Screenshot” for automatic cropping and an eyedropper tool for color sampling.
- Notepad: Incorporates AI writing functions to assist with text generation and editing.
These enhancements aim to simplify creative processes and improve user efficiency across various tasks.
Click to Do: streamlining file interactions
The “Click to Do” feature brings AI-driven shortcuts to File Explorer. Users can right-click on files to access options like generating summaries or editing suggestions without opening the file. This functionality accelerates workflow by reducing the steps needed to manage and edit documents.
Initial rollout to Copilot AI plus PCs
The new features are initially available to Windows Insiders using Snapdragon X Copilot Plus PCs, including the latest Surface devices. Microsoft plans to extend the rollout to Intel and AMD Copilot Plus PCs in the near future, broadening access to these enhancements.
A more intuitive and connected Windows experience
With these updates, Microsoft continues to integrate AI into the core of Windows 11, aiming to create a more responsive and connected user experience. By embedding Copilot AI into system settings and enhancing native applications, Windows 11 evolves into a platform that anticipates user needs and simplifies complex tasks.
