Microsoft Expands Copilot AI to Access Local Files and Control Windows

Microsoft plans to enhance its Copilot AI system by giving it the ability to access local files on your PC and perform actions across the Windows operating system. This was announced at the recent Windows and Surface event, where the company introduced a concept they are calling 'Hybrid Intelligence.' This approach uses a combination of local and cloud-based AI models to efficiently manage tasks.

During a live demo, Microsoft's Executive Vice President of Copilot showcased a use case where the AI was instructed to assist with filing taxes. The AI, utilizing Hybrid Intelligence, was able to search for necessary documents across various local folders, rename files, archive them into a zip folder, and prepare an email to send with the attachments. These capabilities are promised to be integrated into Copilot within the next few months, although users will still have to wait for this functionality to be fully released.

In addition, Microsoft introduced a new Windows search experience designed to take immediate actions directly from the search bar. This upcoming feature will allow users to execute tasks such as switching to dark mode or adjusting microphone volume without leaving the search interface. This update is expected to roll out to Windows 11 PCs later this fall, providing a glimpse into Microsoft’s evolving strategy for integrating AI into everyday computing processes.

Source: AI | The Verge