Microsoft will release the next feature update for Windows 11, known as 23H2, on September 26th. It includes the AI assistant Copilot, a redesigned Explorer, Ink Anywhere for convenient pen recording, an improved Paint app, built-in support for RAR and 7-Zip archives, a new volume mixer and more.
Image source: Chris Welch/The Verge
One of the main innovations of Windows 11 23H2 will be the AI tool Copilot, which is based on the Bing chatbot. It appears as a sidebar on the desktop and allows you to manage device settings, launch applications, and respond to various user requests. It is noted that Copilot is deeply integrated into the Microsoft software platform and therefore can be used to solve a wide range of problems. During the presentation, a company representative demonstrated how Copilot can be used to create text messages from data from an Outlook calendar.
Image source: Chris Welch/The Verge
Overall, the Copilot integration is another attempt by Microsoft to add a digital assistant to Windows. Last month, the Cortana assistant stopped working and was quickly replaced by Copilot. Microsoft’s attempt could be more successful because Copilot is based on a generative neural network that is already very popular. Copilot will also appear in Edge, Office and other Microsoft services.
Explorer in Windows 11 23H2 has received a more modern look, including a redesigned address bar, large file thumbnails, and other elements that better fit the modern look of the operating system. In addition, after installing the update, Windows 11 users will be able to open RAR, 7z, GZ, TAR and some other archive formats without resorting to third-party applications. This was made possible by using the open source Libarchive project in the operating system.
Image source: The Verge
The developers have also added a new volume mixer to Windows 11 23H2. This allows users to quickly adjust volume for individual applications, switch between audio outputs, and more. The Ink Anywhere feature lets you write notes by hand using a Surface Pen or other pen over any editable field. The operating system automatically converts the text written with the pen and inserts it into the appropriate field.
Image source: Microsoft
Additionally, Windows 11 has built-in RGB lighting controls. Dynamic Lighting allows you to control the lighting of a variety of compatible accessories using the open HID LampArray standard. Gaming peripheral manufacturers such as Acer, ASUS, HP, HyperX, Logitech, Razer and Twinkly are working with Microsoft to develop this feature and ensure device compatibility. It is expected that in the future users will be able to control the backlight of various devices using Windows without resorting to third-party applications.
The updated Windows Backup application makes creating backups and restoring system settings more convenient. This can be useful when a user switches to a new device. This tool automatically applies the selected settings to your new PC thanks to a cloud backup. Any apps you downloaded from the Microsoft Store from your previous PC will be pinned in the same places as before, including the taskbar and Start menu.
The update also includes many less noticeable improvements and fixes aimed at improving the stability of the operating system. Windows 11 23H2 distribution begins on September 26th.
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