Microsoft introduces new features for Windows 11, including the addition of AI-powered Bing to the Windows taskbar.
Today, Microsoft released a significant upgrade to Windows 11. (February 28). The upgrade brings Microsoft's new AI-powered Bing search to the taskbar. Improvements to widgets, a better touch mode, a screen recording function, tabs within Notepad, a preview of Phone Link for Apple iOS, and more are among the new features in Windows 11. Microsoft's chief product officer, Panos Panay, unveiled the new features in a blog post.
On your Windows taskbar, use Bing to search, chat, answer queries, and produce content.
"Today, we add to the incredible breadth and ease of use of the Windows PC by integrating a typable Windows search box and the incredible capability of the new AI-powered Bing directly into the taskbar. Combining all of your Windows search requirements in one convenient area, "Panay described the function in his writing.
According to Panay's article, over a million users are currently trying the new Bing preview in 169 countries. "...soon, hundreds of millions of Windows 11 users will be able to utilize this great new technology to search, talk, answer queries, and produce content directly from their Windows taskbar," he continued.
From today, users on Bing preview will have access to the functionality. Users will just need to install today's Windows 11 update to utilize the new search bar, according to Microsoft. The news also suggests that Microsoft intends to significantly extend the new Bing preview.
Additional new features in Windows 11
* With the introduction of Phone Link for Apple iOS, you may connect your iPhone straight to your Windows 11 Computer. This includes the ability to send and receive messages like as iMessage, calls, and alerts. The capability will first be available as a preview to Windows Insiders.
* Record what you're doing with Snipping Tool's new built-in screen recorder, and utilize Windows Studio Effects with powerful AI to broadcast yourself in movies. Snipping Tool now incorporates screen recording, allowing users to grab a whole screen.
* Added toggles to increase laptop energy efficiency. These suggest tweaks to the Sleep and Power settings to improve battery life.
* Braille display support and better voice access in essential apps are among the new accessible features.
* Additional enhancements include better touch experiences, full-screen widgets, and easy access to the Windows 365 app to switch from desktop to Cloud PC, among others.
Availability
All of these new Windows 11 capabilities are now available by manually checking for new updates through Windows Update. Those with eligible devices running Windows 11, version 22H2 who want to try out these new capabilities right now may do so by going to Settings > Windows Update and selecting Check for updates. Microsoft anticipates that the new functionality supplied via Windows Update will be fully available in the March 2023 monthly security update release.
