Microsoft adds an AI-specific key to its keyboards (Photo: Microsoft)

Microsoft is changing its PC keyboards for the first time in three decades – with a new key specifically for its artificial intelligence (AI) assistant.

Nearly anyone who uses a computer will be familiar with the ubiquitous Windows-style keyboard (unless you grew up using Macs exclusively), including the Windows key, which debuted nearly 30 years ago.

It appears the new addition will sit on the opposite side of the keyboard, possibly replacing the right Ctrl key and activating Microsoft’s new AI Copilot when pressed.

Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s Chief Marketing Officer, wrote in a blog post: “In this new year, we will usher in a significant shift toward a more personal and intelligent computing future, where AI will be seamlessly integrated from system to Windows,” from silicon to hardware.

“This will not only simplify but also improve people’s computing experience, making 2024 the year of the AI ​​PC.”

Rolling out to Windows 11 PCs starting this year, the Copilot key will give users quick access to the AI ​​Assistant, which can be used to assist with productivity tasks such as organizing files and windows on a user’s screen and running of more useful Internet searches.

Yusuf Mehdi said Microsoft wants to make 2024 the year of the AI ​​PC (Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty)

Microsoft is positioning itself as a leading player in the increasingly competitive field of AI. It is an investor in OpenAI, the company behind the chatbot sensation ChatGPT, which powers Copilot. Products in the Microsoft stable that offer AI capabilities include Bing Search and Microsoft 365.

Mr. Mehdi added that the Copilot key would “enable people to more easily participate in AI transformation.”

Computer in the office

Windows keyboards haven’t changed in almost thirty years (Photo: Getty/iStockphoto)

“Over the past year, we have been at the forefront of this change, innovating and improving our product experiences, with Copilot, your everyday AI companion, at the center,” he said.

“The Copilot key, along with the Windows key, is a central part of the PC keyboard and when pressed, the new key invokes the Copilot experience in Windows, allowing you to seamlessly integrate Copilot into your daily life .”

For computers that don’t have Copilot features or for users who aren’t signed into a Microsoft account, the key will launch Windows Search.

Mr. Mehdi confirmed that the first devices with the new key will appear before and during the CES technology show taking place in Las Vegas next week and will go on sale from the end of February.