In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the latest trend is both surprising and exciting: physical AI buttons on keyboards and computer mice. This shift marks a significant milestone in the democratisation and generalisation of AI use among the public. Let's delve into this emerging phenomenon.
Microsoft's Copilot Button: Changing the Keyboard Game
Microsoft made a buzz recently by adding a Copilot button to their Windows keyboards. If you're not up to speed, Copilot is Microsoft's AI assistant that's popping up everywhere in their software. This is the first big change to the Windows keyboard layout in about 30 years.
Microsoft Copilot Key | Microsoft
Yusuf Mehdi from Microsoft explained that pressing the Copilot key will let users do various AI-related tasks, from web searches to accessing personal content. Essentially, it's designed to make using AI on your computer easier and more straightforward.
Microsoft has been pretty serious about AI for a while now, with big investments in OpenAI and updates to products like SwiftKey. Adding a dedicated AI button to the keyboard shows they're doubling down on their commitment to making AI a part of everyday computing.
Logitech's AI Prompt Builder: Making AI More Customisable
Logitech is also stepping into the AI button game with its Logi AI Prompt Builder. Unlike Microsoft's fixed Copilot button, Logitech's AI button lets users choose from preset “recipes” to interact with their AI, ChatGPT. Whether you want to rephrase text or summarise a document, Logitech's AI button aims to simplify these tasks with a single press.
While some might see this as a move to sell more Logitech devices, the customisable nature of the Prompt Builder could genuinely make certain tasks easier and quicker. At the moment, it looks like it’s primary selling point could be more along the lines of replying to emails or summarising text.
What Does This Mean for Us?
So, why should we care about these new AI buttons? Well, they're a sign of how AI technology is becoming more integrated into our daily lives. Instead of being limited to specialised industries or tech-savvy users, AI is becoming more accessible and user-friendly for everyone.
Michael Ng, an analyst from Goldman Sachs, predicts that the demand for AI-equipped PCs will grow as older devices become outdated. As consumers, we're increasingly looking for tech that can make our lives easier and more efficient, and AI-enhanced devices seem to be the way forward.
Wrapping It Up: A New Chapter in AI and Computing
The introduction of physical AI buttons on keyboards and mice is a noteworthy development that reflects the growing influence of AI in everyday computing. Companies like Microsoft and Logitech are responding to this trend by making AI more accessible and customisable for users.
Whether you're a fan of Microsoft's Copilot or intrigued by Logitech's Prompt Builder, these AI buttons offer a glimpse into the future of computing. They're not just a tech gimmick; they represent a shift towards more integrated and user-friendly AI solutions.
So, the next time you see an AI button on your keyboard or mouse, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate how far we've come in making AI a part of our daily lives. It's an exciting time for tech, and who knows what the next big thing will be?