Microsoft Revolutionizes Windows Search with AI
Microsoft is making waves in the world of desktop searching by integrating cutting-edge AI technology into its Windows operating system. This AI-powered search, unveiled in October 2024, is currently being tested by Windows Insider users on Snapdragon-based copilot Plus PCs.
The beauty of this new feature lies in its ability to understand natural language, ditching the rigid keyword-based searches of the past. Imagine describing the file you’re looking for instead of painstakingly remembering its exact name. That’s the power of semantic indexing, a core component of this revolutionary search engine.”To access this feature, users need a Copilot Plus PC device,” as reported by The Verge.
This AI-powered search is seamlessly integrated into the familiar Windows surroundings, accessible through the search box in the Settings menu, File Explorer, and even the taskbar.What’s even more remarkable is that this feature operates offline, leveraging the NPU chip embedded within the Copilot Plus device.
For now, the AI-powered search supports Windows settings and files in common formats like JPEG, PNG, PDF, TXT, and XLS. Microsoft emphasizes that searches are limited to files that have been indexed by the user. Thankfully, users have the adaptability to customize indexing locations via the Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows menu. You can even choose the “Enhanced” option to index your entire computer for unparalleled speed. The company has also hinted at future plans to expand the feature’s capabilities to include cloud data stored on OneDrive.
This rollout is happening in stages, beginning with Windows Insider users on Snapdragon-based Copilot Plus PCs. Microsoft has confirmed that support for Copilot Plus devices equipped with Intel and AMD processors is on the horizon. Currently, the feature supports six languages: Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.
Adding to the excitement, Microsoft has introduced a new feature called “Click to Do.” This feature allows users to summon the context menu by pressing the Windows key along with a left-click on the screen. A notable addition to this feature is the “Refine” option within the Rewrite menu, which offers automatic grammar correction.
Revolutionizing Desktop Search with AI
Microsoft is taking a giant leap forward in how we interact with our computers with the introduction of AI-powered search for Windows. We sat down with Emma Thompson, an AI software engineer at Microsoft, to delve into this groundbreaking feature and its implications for the future of computing.
“The key difference lies in how it understands user queries,” Emma explains. “Our new search leverages semantic indexing,allowing users to interact with their PCs using natural language.” Rather of painstakingly typing file names,users can simply describe what they’re looking for,making the search experience more intuitive and efficient.
This new approach marks a significant departure from conventional keyword-based searches. By understanding the context and intent behind a user’s query, AI-powered search delivers more relevant and accurate results. Imagine searching for “that presentation I worked on yesterday” – AI can decipher your intent and pinpoint the specific file you’re looking for, even if you don’t remember the exact name.
While the feature is initially available offline, Microsoft has aspiring plans for expansion. “We’re committed to expanding AI-powered search to include cloud data,” Emma shares. In future updates, users can expect seamless integration with OneDrive, allowing them to search across their devices and the cloud with ease.
Currently,AI-powered search is available to Windows insiders on Snapdragon-based Copilot Plus PCs,with plans to roll it out to devices with Intel and AMD processors soon. In terms of language support, Microsoft has started with six languages: Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish, with plans to expand further in the future.
Looking ahead,Emma envisions a future where AI seamlessly integrates into all aspects of Windows and other Microsoft products:
“AI will become increasingly embedded in the fabric of our software,empowering users with intelligent assistance and personalized experiences.”
This integration promises to revolutionize how we work, learn, and play, making technology more accessible and intuitive than ever before.
The world of technology is rapidly evolving, with artificial intelligence (AI) constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. AI is poised to revolutionize the ways we interact with our devices and manage data, and Microsoft is at the forefront of this change.
Emma, a prominent figure at Microsoft, recently shared her insights on the future of AI, emphasizing its role in simplifying our lives.”I believe AI will continue to transform how we interact with our devices and data,” she stated. “at Microsoft, we’re committed to making AI accessible and useful, empowering users to do more with less effort. Expect to see more AI enhancements across windows and our other products.”
This commitment to AI integration is generating excitement among Windows users, who eagerly anticipate the possibilities.As Emma aptly put it, “It’s an exciting time for Windows users.”
The future looks bright for AI-powered experiences,and it’s clear that microsoft is dedicated to making these advancements accessible and beneficial for everyone.
What are the key benefits of Microsoft’s new AI-powered search for Windows users?
Archyde Exclusive: Interview with Emma Thompson, AI Software engineer at Microsoft
Archyde (A): Microsoft has made waves recently with the introduction of AI-powered search for Windows. Can you tell our readers more about this new feature and how it’s set to revolutionize the way we interact with our computers?
Emma Thompson (ET): Absolutely,thanks for having me. At Microsoft, we’re always looking for ways to make our users’ lives easier.The AI-powered search we’re introducing does just that. It understands natural language queries, enabling users to search using phrases like “Find my vacation photos” instead of having to remember the exact file name.
A: That’s certainly an improvement over the keyword-based searches we’ve been using. Can you walk us thru how this works?
ET: Of course. The magic lies in semantic indexing. Unlike conventional indexing that focuses on specific keywords, semantic indexing understands context, meaning, and user intent. It analyzes the content of files to create a more extensive index, making searches more accurate and relevant. It’s like having a personal assistant who understands exactly what you’re looking for.
A: And this technology is available on the new Copilot Plus PCs, right? What makes these devices special?
ET: Yes, that’s correct. Copilot Plus PCs come with a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that handles AI tasks in real-time, ensuring smooth and speedy performance. This technology is integrated into the familiar Windows environment,so users can access AI-powered search through the search box in Settings,File explorer,and even the taskbar.
A: That’s remarkable. We’ve heard that this feature also operates offline. Can you tell us more about that?
ET: Indeed! The NPU inside Copilot Plus devices allows the system to perform searches offline, processing and understanding the data locally on the device. This means users can find what they need even when they’re not connected to the internet.However, we do think that online capabilities will enhance the search experience in the future, allowing users to search their cloud data stored on OneDrive.
A: That sounds like a game-changer. Speaking of enhancements, Microsoft has also introduced a new ‘Click to Do’ feature.Can you share some details about that?
ET: Definitely! ‘Click to Do’ simplifies context menus. You can summon it by pressing Windows key + left-click anywhere on the screen. For instance, if you wont to rename a file, you don’t need to right-click and select ‘Rename’. Instead, you just ‘Click to Do’ and choose ‘Rename’. It’s faster and more intuitive. Plus, the ‘Refine’ option in the Rewrite menu offers automatic grammar correction, which has been quite popular among our test users.
A: It certainly sounds user-friendly. Before we wrap up, what languages does this AI-powered search support, and when can we expect it to roll out to other devices?
ET: Right now, it supports six languages: Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. We’re working on adding more languages soon. As for the rollout, it’s happening in stages.Initially, it’s available to Windows Insider users on Snapdragon-based Copilot Plus PCs. We’re planning to expand support to Copilot Plus devices with Intel and AMD processors in the future.
A: That’s great to hear. Thank you, Emma, for sharing your insights. we’re certainly looking forward to seeing this feature in action!
ET: Thank you for having me. We’re really excited about this new AI-powered search and can’t wait for more users to experience it.
