Microsoft testing “Hey, Copilot!” wake command on Windows

Microsoft has been steadily adding new AI features to Windows in the last few months. The tech giant is at present testing a new way to trigger Copilot. In a blog post, Microsoft said that Windows users who have signed up for the Insider builds will now be able to invoke Copilot by simply saying “Hey, Copilot!”. According to Microsoft, the opt-in feature gives people a hands free Copilot experience, similar to voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. It will only be available when the Windows PC is unlocked and is gradually rolling out to testers using English as their display language.

Key Features

·         Hands-Free Activation: Users can activate Copilot Voice by saying "Hey Copilot!" without needing to press any buttons.

·         On-Device Wake Word Detection: The wake word detection operates locally on the device using a 10-second audio buffer, ensuring that no audio is sent to the cloud or stored locally.

·         Floating Microphone UI: Upon activation, a floating microphone icon appears at the bottom of the screen, accompanied by a chime indicating voice readiness.

·         Cloud Processing Requirement: While the wake word detection is offline, an internet connection is required for Copilot Voice to function, as it depends on cloud processing.

Microsoft plans to expand its availability based on user feedback and system compatibility.