Recently, Microsoft fulfilled its promise of releasing the Windows Copilot to testers in June. The latest Windows Insider Dev Channel build (23493) includes early access to Windows Copilot, native support for RAR and 7-Zip files, a new settings homepage, and a much better volume mixer.
Windows Copilot was first announced at this year’s Build event. And the version that testers can access today works as a sidebar docked to the right hand side of Windows 11. Unlike traditional pop-up windows, Windows Copilot runs unobstructed alongside open app windows. Enabling users to interact with it whenever needed. According to the Windows team, the feature won’t overlap with the desktop content, making it a more seamless experience for users.
Microsoft’s Windows 11 Update: Introducing Windows Copilot, Native Support for RAR and 7-Zip Files, and More
The AI-powered Windows Copilot is designed to respond to both commands and questions, similar to Bing Chat. Users can ask the feature to change to dark mode, take a screenshot, turn on do not disturb, or ask anything that Bing typically answers. Additionally, Windows Copilot can summarize web content and generate AI-generated images and text.
However, since Windows Copilot is still in its early preview phase, it only controls some basic Windows settings. And there’s no third-party plug-in support yet. However, Microsoft plans to add more features and refine the experience based on feedback from Windows Insiders.
In addition to Windows Copilot, Microsoft has also added native support to RAR and 7-Zip files, including tar, gz. And many other archive formats using the open source project libarchive. With this improvement, users can finally access these file formats without having to install third party software. However, Microsoft warns that there may be some initial performance issues with this new support. The company is working to improve this in future Windows Insider builds.
Gizchina News of the week
Microsoft announced that this improved archive format support will be available to everyone in September, with plans to add support for creating files in those formats in 2024, according to Sharla Soennichsen, a product manager at Microsoft.
Another noteworthy feature that Windows Insiders can now test is the improved volume mixer UI in the Quick Settings section of Windows 11. The updated audio quick settings provide a modern volume mixer that allows for quick customization of audio on a per-app basis. Users can also switch devices quickly on the fly, and Microsoft has added a new keyboard shortcut (WIN + CTRL + V) to bring users directly to the volume mixer for faster control of the experience.
Exploring the Latest Features and Improvements in Microsoft’s Windows 11 Update
The new volume mixer UI was discovered earlier this year and seems to be inspired by EarTrumpet. It’s a popular app for Windows that was built nearly five years ago. This addition is a much needed improvement to Windows 11. As the previous volume control interface was widely criticized for being hard to use.
Moreover, Microsoft has added a new Settings homepage to Windows 11. It provides an overview of the device you’re using with essential settings. The new homepage is less jarring, with up to seven cards of information. Including Microsoft 365 or Xbox subscriptions, Bluetooth device management, wallpaper customization, and OneDrive cloud storage.
Finally, Microsoft is testing a new suggestions feature for Snap Layouts in Windows 11. When you hover over minimize or maximize, app icons will appear based on what apps would work best snapped next to each other. This feature aims to help users maximize their productivity by suggesting the best app combinations for multitasking.
In conclusion, Microsoft has added several new features and improvements to Windows 11, including the highly anticipated Windows Copilot, native support for RAR and 7-Zip files, an improved volume mixer UI, a new Settings homepage, and a new suggestions feature for Snap Layouts. With these updates, Microsoft continues to enhance the user experience of Windows 11. Making it more seamless, efficient, and productive for users.
