Microsoft is poised to slam the new AI-infused Bing into Windows 11 with an upgrade due today, three weeks after debuting it. You can access all of Bing AI’s new capabilities from the search box on the Windows 11 taskbar if you’re in the preview. Consider a more condensed version of what we saw with Bing AI on Edge: You may ask Bing natural language inquiries in addition to ordinary online searches, and its intelligent chatbot will respond conversationally. If you don’t yet have access to the new Bing, you may join up on Microsoft’s queue.
The motivation here is rather evident. Now that people are talking about Bing in a more positive light, Microsoft wants to include it into the very foundation of Windows 11. There’s no need to launch Edge or change your default web browser. The Bing AI preview was also made available on the company’s mobile applications and Skype last week. More than the expanded access, we’ll be watching how Microsoft improves Bing’s capabilities while also attempting to curb some of its negative behaviour. Remember, chatbots are basically extremely excellent predictive text producers, not truth-tellers.
Even if you don’t care about Bing AI, this newest Windows 11 upgrade has a slew of exciting new capabilities. For example, Windows Insiders will be able to test Phone Link for iPhones, which will allow you to call and text from inside Windows. (This follows Microsoft’s recent iCloud integration in the Pictures app in Windows 11.) Android users with Samsung phones who have had Phone Link for a time will be able to effortlessly switch on Wi-Fi hotspots and transfer their browser sessions. It’ll be fascinating to see how Microsoft’s approach compares against Intel’s Unison programme, which allows iPhones and certain Windows 11 PCs to sync calls, messages, and files.
With this upgrade, Microsoft is also delving further into “touch” interactions. If you have a detachable or convertible Computer, the taskbar will automatically shrink to free up extra screen space. Swiping up allows you to utilise the taskbar normally. This may be simpler for some people to live with than having the taskbar completely disappear.
Windows 11 also adds compatibility for new braille displays, including three HumanWare “Designed for Surface” devices. This will make it simpler for Microsoft to switch between its built-in Narrator screen reader and alternatives. Also, Windows voice commands are coming out of preview, enabling you to manage your Computer without using a mouse or keyboard. The feature was enhanced in Microsoft’s 2022 Windows 11 update, and it now looks to be considerably more sophisticated.
Here’s a short review of some of the other improvements included in today’s Windows 11 update, which will be available to customers in the coming weeks. (As usual, you may check the Windows Update programme for its availability.)
- NotePad is officially getting tabs — it’s no longer limited to Windows Insiders.
- Windows Studio Effects, which includes AI-driven features like background blurring and eye contact during video chats, are now accessible through the taskbar’s quick settings.
- You’ll be able to quickly preview your video from the taskbar’s Team’s video chat button.
- The Quick Assist app is faster, and you’ll also be able to quickly switch between screen sharing and full control of another users PC. (Troubleshooting your parent’s PC just got a bit easier.)
- There are more widgets coming, including Xbox Game Pass, Phone Link, as well as some from third parties like Meta and Spotify. (In the two years since Windows 11’s release, I’ve yet to see anyone actually use its widgets regularly.)
- The Snippet Tool can now record your screen.
- Enhanced energy recommendations will help you save a bit more power.
- The Windows 365 app is now in the Microsoft Store, giving you quick access to Cloud PCs.
