Microsoft Tests “Hey, Copilot!” Voice Activation Command on Windows
Microsoft is presently beta-testing a new voice activation feature that goes by the name of “Hey, Copilot!”. for the Windows 11 users, allowing them to start Copilot Voice interactions hands-free. The function, which is comparable to voice triggers in Siri and Google Assistant, is a part of Microsoft’s overall strategy to improve conversational AI experiences in Windows. It is already being rolled on Windows insiders who have Copilot app version 1.25051.10.0 or later with the language settings set as English. After it is enabled, a floating microphone icon accompanied by a chime comes, to show off the voice mode.
Key Highlights:
- Microsoft is piloting the “Hey, Copilot!”. voice activation feature in Windows 11.
- The capability supports couples for hands-free triggering of Copilot Voice interactions.
- It is now available to Windows Insiders who have the Copilot app version 1.25051.10.0 or later.
- The wake word detection runs on a device, therefore, it’s user privacy is maintained.
- Copilot Voice functionalities will require an internet connection.
Accessible for Windows Insiders with Copilot app version 1.25051.10.0 or more recent, the feature needs manual enabling and is slowly getting rolled out to testers who use English as their language of display. When activated, a floating microphone pop-up shows up at the bottom of the screen, and a chime sounds out to indicate readiness for the voice.
Notably, the wake word detection is on-device with a 10-second audio buffer where the audio is not sent to the cloud, and no storage is made locally. Although the wake word can be identified even offline (I.e,. when the computer is not connected to the internet), Copilot Voice needs an internet connection for operation because it requires cloud processing.
The inclusion of such voice activation features as “Hey, Copilot!” and “Press to Talk” highlights Microsoft’s dedication to improving the user’s interaction with the AI assistants. These features allow hands-free and easy communication to enhance the productivity and accessibility of Windows 11 users.
The rollout of Copilot by Microsoft to further refine its capabilities for continuous improvement will come with more integrations and improvements to match the changing face of AI-driven personal assistants.
