Microsoft is making the biggest change to its keyboards in nearly 30 years - but not everyone is happy.
Starting this month, many of Microsoft's new Windows 11 computers, including upcoming Surface devices, will feature the new "Copilot" key.
The button launches Microsoft's new AI companion.
By pressing the ribbon-like button, the user launches the AI chatbot powered by Microsoft's search engine, Bing.
Microsoft just unveiled biggest change to keyboards since 1990s - and it will annoy you
Getty
It will be located near the space bar, replacing the right CTRL button on some PCs, while on others it will replace a menu key.
For devices where Copilot is not available or enabled, pressing the button will launch Windows Search instead of calling on its AI.
The search engine's AI tool can help users with tasks such as summarising a dense article, looking for furniture online, or simply making settings changes on their PC.
Microsoft hasn't yet said which computer manufacturers are installing the Copilot button beyond its own in-house devices.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The Copilot function is set to appear on Microsoft devices
Microsoft
Microsoft's executive vice president Yusuf Mehdi said the change was a "transformative moment" in Windows' journey with AI, adding that 2024 "promises to be nothing short of extraordinary".
The company has called 2024 the "year of the AI PC".
Computer scientist at the University of Swansea Prof John Tucker told BBC News: "[The new key] shows the value the company is placing on this particular feature and its potential to draw and bind users to all their many products.
"Of course, that the keyboard has changed so little in 30 years, since 1994, is not something to be proud of."
Last year King Charles said the risks of artificial intelligence (AI) need to be tackled with "a sense of urgency, unity and collective strength".
He said tackling the risks of AI would, like efforts to combat climate change, need to involve conversations across societies, governments, civil society and the private sector.
The UK Government unveiled a "world first agreement" at the AI Safety Summit in Bletchley.
