"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
5 Jan 2024
Microsoft has unveiled its first significant keyboard redesign in thirty years, featuring a prominent addition: the "Copilot key," a gateway to the software giant's AI chatbot as well as generative AI applications.. This innovative button, integrated into select Windows 11-based PCs, represents Microsoft's strategy to leverage its partnership with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.
While this marks a symbolic start to a competitive year in tech, it isn't without controversy. The tech industry faces unresolved ethical and legal implications, highlighted by a recent lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft by The New York Times, alleging copyright infringement due to tools like ChatGPT and Copilot.
This recent keyboard change by Microsoft marks its most significant shift since the introduction of the Windows key in the 1990s. Situated near the space bar with the Copilot logo, this AI-enabled button replaces either the right "CTRL'' or a menu key. This move marks a substantial shift in how humans interact with computers.
Microsoft's foray into customized keyboard functionality aligns it with other tech giants, evoking memories of Apple's iconic "Command" key and Google's earlier trials with AI-dedicated buttons on Chromebooks. This development highlights the constantly evolving tech scene, sparking a revolutionary phase in computer interfaces.