Tech

Microsoft keyboards are getting a new hardware key for AI – of course

In what can only be seen as a push to get more people using its AI, Microsoft is adding a Copilot AI hardware button to “select PC keyboards.”

Shown off in a demo video on the Microsoft Copilot webpage, the Copilot key sits between the arrow keys and the right Alt button where it should not be too out of place given that some keyboards already place buttons there (my Logitech keyboard has a Control key there). Its exact position may vary depending on the size of the keyboard and what is there already, but the intention is clear — get more people using Copilot AI.

Microsoft state that the new Copilot key will join the Windows key as a core part of the PC keyboard with it launching the Copilot in Windows experience “making it seamless to engage Copilot in your day to day.”

Microsoft has certain rules around compulsory keys in Windows keyboards but at this stage the Copilot key isn’t compulsory just yet, but Microsoft told Ars Technica that “it expects Copilot keys to be required on Windows 11 keyboards “over time”.”

With chip manufacturers such as Intel and AMD introducing NPUs for AI into their chipsets this year (keep an eye out for new laptops and PC with these new Intel chipsets at CES this week) it seems likely that Microsoft will continue to develop and build AI into their stable of apps.

Whether Copilot AI is the answer for Microsoft (Cortana certainly wasn’t) remains unclear but with a hardware key on the way they certainly are betting big on it. Keep an eye out for new Windows PCs with the new key at CES this week and for Surface devices with the new button coming soon.

Recent Posts

  • Tech

2026 will be the battle of “RGB” in TV technology – what. the. heck. is. that?

If you're still catching up on Quantum Dots, OLED, Mini LED and are thinking that…

5 hours ago
  • Tech

NBN gets set for the final roll out of Fibre upgrades to another 600,000 homes

The NBN is getting ready to lock in the final stage of the Fibre to…

11 hours ago
  • Motoring

The stunning new BMW iX3 is a vision for the future realised as Neue Klasse comes to market

BMW has revealed the first new model to be designed and engineered under their 2025…

13 hours ago
  • Tech

Best in Smart Home – The SwannBuddy 4K Video Doorbell with AI wins at the IFA Innovation Awards

The SwannBuddy4K Video Doorbell with SwannShield™AI Voice Assistant has been given an Honouree accolade for…

21 hours ago
  • Tech

360 degree security camera coverage and smart AI capabilities come to Reolink security lineup at IFA 2025

Reolink is a bit of an upstart when it comes to home security but having…

23 hours ago
  • Lifestyle

LG unveil its AI plans for your home appliances at IFA 2025

LG has announced its vision for AI-powered living at IFA 2025 under the moniker “LG…

1 day ago