The next major update of Windows 11 brings a large number of new features, based in particular on artificial intelligence. There is no doubt that the tools offered by Microsoft will improve our productivity, even if the “behaviour” of the version of ChatGPT integrated into Bing has been a little worrying lately.
If it is not done yet, Microsoft would really like you to adopt Windows 11, the operating system designed for PCs. The Redmond company continues to make improvements and new features to its flagship software. Given the popularity of AI-based platforms, it made sense that Windows 11 would sooner or later include this kind of functionality. Microsoft has invested $10 billion in OpenAI, and now offers ChatGPT in Bing, its search engine, to the general public.
Windows 11 was released barely a year ago, but it will always offer more features based on Artificial Intelligence. In the words of Panos Panay, one of the company’s leaders, this update opens “a new era in search, chat and creation and with the new Bing and Edge”, notably. Here’s a list of the highlights of Windows 11 that you can enjoy today.
Bing and its AI are accessible directly from the search bar
Microsoft wants Artificial Intelligence to become our co-pilot. Not just when we are researching online, but also when we are working or performing other tasks on the computer. The company is therefore making the Bing search engine, whose new version includes a redesigned version of ChatGPT, available to Windows 11 users. in the central search bar. Press Enter, and view the response in Edge, which opens automatically.
The “Connected Mobile” application is now compatible with iPhones
Microsoft wants to offer its products and services on as many platforms as possible. iPhone users will soon also be able to take calls, consult or read important messages from their computer screen under Windows 11. Owners of Android smartphones have had this feature since October 2018, and by making it compatible with Apple devicesMicrosoft confirms its approach to remove the barriers between the different operating systems.
By the way, those of you who own a Samsung phone will be happy to be able to activate their device’s personal hotspot directly from their PC’s list of Wi-Fi networks. Always with a view to keeping your fingers on the keyboard, the Recent Websites function allows you to transfer all the tabs of a mobile browsing session to the Windows PC in one click.
Windows 11 integrates many features improving the quality of calls and videos
Microsoft puts a lot of emphasis on the sound and visual quality of video conferences, whether through Teams or with Skype. Windows 11 users will soon be able to one-click access to Windows Studio Effects settingsthis AI-based application launched last year that offers a “ collection of effects allowing you to customize your audio and video in all situations “. Settings such as background blur, automatic framing, noise cancellation or even eye tracking will be accessible directly in the taskbar.
In the same spirit, Microsoft has revamped Conversation. It will be accessible more quickly and it will be possible to navigate between conversations in the app, in a single window.
Providing technical assistance to relatives or friends becomes very easy
As you are a fan of technology, those around you have probably, in spite of you, appointed you Chief IT Troubleshooter. Microsoft has thought of you and all IT technicians around the world. Quick Support is an application that allows two users to share a computer over a remote connection, allowing the responder to troubleshoot issues on the first user’s computer. This feature will be directly accessible from the Start menu.
The company still has simplified switching between screen sharing and full control in full session. The new laser pointer will highlight an icon, menu or any item on the screen, helping guide your loved ones through the learning process.
Meta, Spotify, Messenger: Windows 11 always offers more widgets
Windows 11 offers widgets for quick access to Connected Mobile, Xbox Game Pass, or even Messenger and Spotify. Ideal for quickly checking the latest headlines, your stock price, the weather or even your schedule without having to juggle multiple devices. To make them appear, there is nothing simpler. If your screen is touchscreen, just swipe to the right, otherwise, click on the Weather icon, at the bottom left.
Video finally lands in the Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool currently only offers a photo mode. By pressing Windows + Shift + S, you will soon have the choice to film what you do on the screen. Captures will automatically be saved to a default folder.
Windows 11 emphasizes accessibility and puts itself within reach of the visually impaired
As a company that wants to address all types of audiences, Microsoft has always emphasized accessibility and inclusiveness, as evidenced by the Adaptive XBox controller, for example. In this update, the Redmond firm improves the Narrator app by extending its operation to a greater variety of Braille displays for blind users.
Users who cannot use the keyboard will be happy to know that Voice Access is finally coming out of preview. It will be possible to use your voice to control many Windows 11 applications, “to do more, with or without keyboard and mouse”.
Among the slightly less important contributions, we note the display of recommendations for saving energy in the Parameters, the appearance of tabs in Notepad, an increase in the speed of File Explorer or even an improvement of the OS interface for touch devices. All these new features are expected to roll out with the March 2023 monthly security update.