In a monumental stride towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) seamlessly into the PC experience, Microsoft is gearing up to introduce a groundbreaking addition to select Windows keyboards—the Copilot key. This move, announced by Microsoft's executive vice president, Yusuf Mehdi, is set to redefine the user interface by providing a dedicated entry point into the world of AI on PCs, facilitating a more accessible engagement with the ongoing AI transformation.

Scheduled to make its debut at the CES technology trade show in Las Vegas later this month, the Copilot key is poised to be the first significant redesign of the Windows PC keyboard in nearly three decades. Mehdi boldly declares 2024 as the "Year of the AI PC," positioning the Copilot as a transformative component that seamlessly integrates AI into the Windows ecosystem, spanning from the operating system to the hardware.

The Copilot chatbot, initially announced in March of the preceding year, incorporates AI into Microsoft's software suite, working collaboratively with popular applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. This dedicated AI button is expected to empower users to participate more fluidly in the AI transformation sweeping across technology.

While the exact computer manufacturers incorporating the Copilot key remain undisclosed, Microsoft anticipates its availability to users later this month. Initial implementation is expected on some of Microsoft's own line of devices, including upcoming Surface models.

The introduction of the Copilot key follows recent legal developments, with The New York Times filing a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft. The lawsuit alleges unauthorized use of Times' content for training AI models, asserting copyright infringement. Notably, Microsoft and OpenAI maintain a close relationship, with Microsoft having invested in OpenAI.

Positioned near the keyboard's space bar and adorned with its distinctive logo, the Copilot button is poised to become a transformative element reminiscent of the impact of the original Windows key nearly three decades ago. Microsoft envisions Copilot as the new gateway into the realm of AI on PCs, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of Windows PC keyboards.