Microsoft is marking a significant milestone with its 50th anniversary, engaging users with nostalgic elements such as the revival of the classic Windows 95 logo and a themed version of Solitaire. Additionally, Bill Gates has shared the source code for the original Altair Basic operating system, and the spotlight is shining on Microsoft’s Copilot features.
The company has ramped up its focus on Copilot recently, with a series of announcements leading up to a livestream event from its Redmond, Washington headquarters, showcasing current and future Copilot capabilities.
Samsung and LG TVs integrate AI through Microsoft Copilot
In a lighter moment, attendees enjoyed a segment where Copilot interviewed three Microsoft CEOs, bringing humor to the event.
To simplify the multitude of recent announcements, we’ve compiled all the key updates regarding Microsoft Copilot, including highlights from the livestream.
New Native Copilot App for Windows
The Microsoft Copilot app has transitioned from a web-based tool to a native Windows application that integrates seamlessly into the user interface. This update began rolling out to Windows Insiders and became widely available on April 3.
Performance reports indicate that users are experiencing a significant speed increase, with the app outperforming other similar tools on Windows. The app is available for download from the Microsoft Store for users on the latest Windows update.
Introducing Copilot Search
Microsoft and Bing are launching a new competitive feature called Copilot Search. Designed to enhance search capabilities, Copilot Search allows users to pose questions directly on the website, with the tool efficiently gathering information and returning results.
The initial tests yielded positive results, identifying the best Android phones currently available, including the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and the OnePlus 13. The interface mirrors Google’s search functionality, complete with clickable sources for further reading.
Enhanced AI Support on AMD and Intel PCs
In a bid to improve user experience, Microsoft has unveiled several AI-driven features as part of its Copilot + PC initiative. Features such as Live Captions, Cocreator, Restyle Image, and Image Creator will soon be available for devices equipped with AMD, Intel, and Snapdragon CPUs. Voice Access will also be included for Snapdragon-powered Windows devices.
These enhancements are set to roll out over the next year, with Live Captions functioning similarly to the services available on Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android.
New Features for VS Code Users
During the livestream, it was announced that VS Code users will soon benefit from a new Copilot agent mode aimed at assisting with coding. This feature, designed for developers, will enhance their ability to write and validate code, allowing for the creation of custom agents tailored to individual coding tasks.
The rollout of this feature to VS Code Stable is imminent, while it has been accessible to Insiders since February.
Introducing Researcher and Analyst for Microsoft 365 Copilot
During the livestream, Microsoft showcased two innovative tools for Microsoft 365 Copilot: Researcher and Analyst. Researcher is intended to assist users with “complex, multi-step research tasks,” integrating data from various third-party sources. The Analyst tool analyzes existing data to deliver insights, answer queries, and create forecasts to aid decision-making.
Potential Avatar Feature for Copilot
Microsoft is exploring the idea of giving Copilot an avatar, which was demonstrated during the livestream. The concept illustrates potential user engagement methods, featuring various designs, including nostalgic references like Clippy. While no release date was provided, Microsoft is considering how avatars could enhance interaction with Copilot.
Topics
Artificial Intelligence
Microsoft
