Microsoft turns Windows Copilot into a regular app

Image: Microsoft

Currently stuck in a sidebar, Copilot will soon be a regular Windows app you can resize and move around freely. This means easier access and multitasking. Instead of a disappearing sidebar, a click on the new Copilot icon in the taskbar launches a movable window.

Microsoft explains it this way: "With this change, users of Copilot will get the benefits of a traditional app experience such as resizing, snapping, and moving the window."

Click to read more ...

Khan Academy and Microsoft partner to offer a free AI assistant for teachers

Image: Khan Academy

Great news for K-12 educators in the US! Khan Academy's AI assistant, Khanmigo, is now free thanks to a new partnership with Microsoft. Previously costing US$4 per month, Khanmigo will be accessible through Microsoft's Azure infrastructure, reducing teacher workload and boosting learning experiences.

Khan Academy, renowned for its educational videos, is making Khanmigo free for teachers but will continue to charge school districts and other users for student access. But it is looking for ways to reduce costs.

Click to read more ...

Level up your video calls with Copilot+ PCs and enhanced Windows Studio Effects

Image: Microsoft

Copilot+ PCs take video conferencing to the next level with improved Windows Studio Effects powered by the Qualcomm Neural Processing Unit (NPU) inside. This AI-powered suite of features helps you look and sound your best during calls, while also minimizing distractions.

Background blur is a staple video call feature, and Copilot+ PCs elevate it with improved edge detection for a more natural look. No more awkward halo effects around your head! But background blur is just the beginning. Voice focus actively reduces background noise, ensuring your voice is crystal clear, even in noisy environments.

Click to read more ...

Windows 11 gets a supercharged Live Captions with Copilot+ PCs

Image: Microsoft

Live Captions is getting a major upgrade with Copilot+ PCs, a new lineup of Windows laptops powered by Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips. This improved feature offers real-time translation of spoken words into English subtitles on the screen, across an impressive 44 languages. No matter if you're on a video call, watching a movie, or listening to a lecture, Live Captions can transcribe the audio for better understanding.

Previously, Live Captions was an accessibility feature in Windows 11, but it was limited to 10 languages and worked primarily with pre-recorded/existing videos. Copilot+ PCs unlock the full potential of Live Captions, making it a powerful real-time translation tool.

Click to read more ...