Microsoft is making good on its promise to release Windows Copilot to testers in June. Today’s Windows Insider Dev Channel build (23493) includes access to Windows Copilot, native support for RAR and 7-Zip files, a new home page, and a better volume mixer.
Microsoft first announced Windows Copilot in a build earlier this year, and the version that testers can see today works like a button that is pinned to the right side of Windows 11. your open windows program, allowing you to connect to Windows Copilot whenever you want, “said the team of Windows in today’s post.
You can ask the AI-powered Windows Copilot questions that Bing Chat usually answers or even system commands such as:
- Switch to dark mode
- Take a picture
- Turn on and don’t disturb
Windows Copilot can also be used, like the Bing screen in Microsoft Edge, to summarize what you’re looking for on the Internet or to create AI-generated images and text. Microsoft says it provides “intermediate recommendations that we think are relevant through Bing ads,” so you’ll also see ads on the site.
Since this is an early preview, Windows Copilot is not fully functional, so it only manages Windows settings, and there is no third-party plug-in support yet. “Over time, features will be added as we improve Windows Copilot and Windows Insider.”
If you’re a fan of RAR or 7-Zip files, then Microsoft is adding native support. Additional archive formats include tar, 7-zip, RAR, gz, and many others using the libarchive open-source project. Microsoft warns that there may be some initial issues with this new support as it works to update future Windows Insider builds.
Microsoft said at Build that support for this well-preserved version will be rolled out to everyone in September. “We plan to provide support for creating these files in 2024,” said Sharla Soennichsen, Microsoft’s product manager, in the Build session.
One more thing Windows Insiders will now be able to officially test with the UI adjustable volume mixer in the Quick Settings section of Windows 11. ” says the Windows team. “We’ve also added a keyboard shortcut (WIN + CTRL + V) to bring you directly to the volume mixer for quick control of your experience.”
This new volume mixer was found at the beginning of this year, and with a keyboard shortcut, it seems like a great addition to Windows 11. Microsoft has been inspired by EarTrumpet here, one of my favorite programs for Windows that was built almost five years ago. I once called it “the Windows 10 volume control software Microsoft should have made.” Huh.
Microsoft is also adding the first Settings page to Windows 11. It now has an overview of the device you’re using mixed with important settings. Right now, you’re logged into the Settings section, so the new home page is designed to be less cluttered with seven notification cards. You’ll be able to view details about your Microsoft 365 or Xbox subscription, configure Bluetooth devices, quickly edit photos, and see how much OneDrive storage space you have left.
Finally, Microsoft is testing the new Snap Layouts feature in Windows 11. When you snap to minimize or maximize, there will be app icons displayed based on which apps would work best when they are placed next to each other.
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