The Windows Copilot leak suggests deeper assimilation to Windows 11 features
Key Windows 11 features may be tweaked soon as Microsoft further integrates its Windows Copilot AI assistant into the operating system.
This tidbit comes from technical news site Windows Latest, who claims to have discovered new .json (JavaScript Object Notation) files in recent preview builds of Windows 11. These files apparently indicate future upgrades to the desktop AI assistant. For example, a “TaskManagerService-ai-plugin.json” was found which is presumably a “Task Manager integration plugin”. If ever released, it could give users the ability to monitor or close running apps using Copilot.
A total of six are currently being tested and they affect different aspects of Windows 11.
Next, there is an “AccessbilityTools-ai-plugin.json” that gives Copilot a way to “check accessibility (tools). This would make it “easier for people with disabilities to navigate the system.” Third, there is “ai-plugin-WindowsSettings.json” for managing important settings for Windows 11. Which ones exactly are not mentioned in the report.
Fourth, there is “ClockService-ai-plugin.json” to help people manage their computer’s alarm settings. The package is completed with “LaunchApplication-ai-plugin.json and SmartFileActions-ai-plugin.json” for opening apps via AI commands.
Modular control hub
Windows Copilot was in limited release when it first came out in late June 2023, and it was pretty bare bones. Since then, Microsoft has repeatedly upgraded the AI feature to make it more comprehensive. Previous reports mention Copilot may search for specific files and offer “shopping suggestions”, presumably for apps to download from the Microsoft Store.
Maybe you’re reading all of this and thinking that the AI assistant might turn into a bloated mess, but that might not be the case. Since all the mentioned .json files are plugins, Windows Copilot will most likely be a modular tool, meaning you can choose certain Windows 11 features that it can control. This effectively makes the AI your personal control hub for the operating system.
Improved AI assistants
Of course, we assume that the final version will appear exactly as we just described. Nothing in the news story has been officially confirmed by Microsoft. Please note that there is a chance, albeit a small one, that the company may discontinue certain plugins at any time.
So far, the updates have only been of our own making. Windows Latest claims that the tech giant could start offering support for third-party plugins within the next few weeks. Partnered third-party companies or developers are unknown at the time of writing.
Generative AI models have opened up many possibilities for personal assistants. Gone are the days of asking simple questions to Siri or Cortana. Technological advancements have made it possible for AI to help with our day-to-day tasks. For example, Google is working on an AI writing tool for upcoming Chromebooks.
For more information, we recommend checking TechRadar’s list of the best AI chatbots for 2023 to see what the technology is capable of.