Microsoft Unveils “Hey, Copilot” Wake Word to Activate AI Features in Windows 11

Microsoft Unveils “Hey, Copilot” Wake Word to Activate AI Features in Windows 11

Unleashing the Power of Voice with Microsoft Copilot in Windows 11

In an exciting development for Windows users, Microsoft has introduced the revolutionary voice activation feature for its Copilot app. Now, you can engage with the Copilot by simply saying, “Hey, Copilot!” This innovative functionality offers a seamless hands-free experience reminiscent of “Hey, Cortana!”, designed to facilitate a more natural interaction with your device.

How to Enable Voice Activation for Copilot

Activating this feature requires a few easy steps to ensure your setup is ready for voice commands. Here’s how to enable it:

  • Open the Settings Menu: Navigate to the Copilot app and access the settings section.
  • Enable the Voice Activation Feature: Find the option labeled “Listen for ‘Hey, Copilot’ to start a conversation” and toggle it ON. This will enable the Copilot microphone, referred to as the “Copilot Voice Floating UI”, to appear on your screen.
  • Prepare for Interaction: Once activated, you’ll hear a chime indicating that your voice commands can now be recognized.
  • Engage with Copilot: Simply say “Hey, Copilot!” to begin your voice command interaction. Remember, you’ll need to be logged into your PC for this to work.

This hands-free method not only enhances productivity but also saves time, allowing you to make inquiries without the hassle of using a mouse or keyboard.

Understanding How It Works

The Copilot voice activation function employs an on-device wake word spotter, which is crucial for user privacy and security. The device recognizes only the phrase “Hey Copilot” without recording or storing your audio locally. Importantly, the spotter includes a 10-second audio buffer, ensuring that it captures the necessary audio only when the wake word is detected. After activation, your questions are processed in the cloud to deliver precise answers.

Requirements and Limitations

This feature is currently rolling out to users participating in the Windows Insider Program with the Copilot app version 1.25051.10.0 and higher. Note that it is only available to users whose display language is set to English. Furthermore, for the feature to function correctly, users must have an active internet connection, and it is only available when the PC screen is unlocked.

What’s Next for Voice Activation?

Microsoft is continuously working on expanding the functionality of the Copilot voice activation feature, with potential future updates expected to include support for additional languages and enhanced capabilities. For now, this innovation marks a significant step forward in how users can interact with their Windows devices.

To stay updated on the latest from Microsoft, check out the official announcement here. You can also refer to the detailed user guide for Copilot features here.

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