Microsoft Copilot Enhances Windows 11, Google AI Overviews Impact Traffic

Microsoft is significantly enhancing Windows 11 with new artificial intelligence features, coinciding with the end of free support for Windows 10. The company is integrating its AI assistant, Copilot, more deeply into the operating system, allowing users to activate it with the voice command "Hey Copilot." Copilot Vision, which analyzes on-screen content, is now available globally, and new "Copilot Actions" are being tested to enable the AI to perform tasks like opening files or booking reservations. This push into AI PCs aims to redefine the user experience and compete with other tech giants, echoing some of Microsoft's earlier efforts with Cortana. Meanwhile, in the broader tech landscape, Cloudflare is updating robots.txt files to give website owners more control over how their content is used for AI training, particularly in response to Google's AI Overviews impacting website traffic. Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince highlighted Google's free usage of content for AI training as a competitive disadvantage. In other AI developments, major IT firms like Infosys and Accenture are investing $1.5 billion in Oracle's AI Data Platform to boost AI capabilities and develop industry-specific use cases. In the public sector, the Honolulu Police Department is piloting an AI program from Axon to help officers write reports, though privacy concerns have been raised by the ACLU. York police are using AI-powered license plate readers to aid crime solving, also amid privacy discussions. ZeroEyes has launched an AI drone system for firearm detection, while the Sarasota school board is reviewing its AI policy to govern student and staff use. The influencer marketing industry anticipates AI will reshape operations, though consumers express skepticism about undisclosed AI-generated content. Pacific AI is partnering with the Coalition for Health AI to promote responsible healthcare AI, and Zillow has launched an AI-powered suite, ZillowPro, for real estate agents.

Key Takeaways

• Microsoft is integrating new AI features, including voice activation for Copilot with "Hey Copilot," into Windows 11 as Windows 10 support ends.
• Copilot Vision, an AI feature that analyzes on-screen content, is expanding globally, and "Copilot Actions" are being tested to allow AI task performance on PCs.
• Cloudflare is updating robots.txt files to give website owners more control over content used for AI training, with CEO Matthew Prince citing Google's free usage as a competitive issue.
• Major IT firms, including Infosys and Accenture, are investing $1.5 billion in Oracle's AI Data Platform to enhance AI capabilities and develop industry-specific use cases.
• The Honolulu Police Department is piloting an AI program from Axon to assist officers in writing reports, while the York Police Department is using AI license plate readers for crime solving.
• ZeroEyes has introduced an AI-powered drone system, ZAD, designed for real-time firearm and threat detection.
• The influencer marketing industry expects AI to significantly alter operations, though consumer skepticism towards undisclosed AI content is growing.
• Pacific AI has become a certified provider with the Coalition for Health AI, aiming to foster responsible healthcare AI governance.
• Zillow has launched ZillowPro, an AI-powered suite for real estate agents to enhance client engagement and close more deals.
• Sarasota schools are reviewing their AI policy to regulate student and staff use, focusing on privacy and requiring teacher authorization for AI tools.

Microsoft upgrades Windows 11 with AI as Windows 10 support ends

Microsoft is adding new artificial intelligence features to Windows 11, encouraging users to upgrade from Windows 10 as its support ends. New features include a voice mode to activate the AI assistant Copilot by saying "Hey Copilot." Microsoft ended free security support for Windows 10 this week, pushing users towards the newer operating system. While some users can get extended support, many with older computers face the choice of upgrading or using unsupported software. Microsoft aims to integrate AI deeply into the Windows experience, competing with other tech giants.

Microsoft makes Windows 11 AI-centric as Windows 10 support concludes

Microsoft is integrating its AI assistant Copilot into Windows 11 for all users, coinciding with the end of Windows 10 support. New features include a voice activation phrase, "Hey Copilot," aiming to make interaction more natural. Copilot Vision will also be available globally, helping users analyze on-screen content. The company is also testing "Copilot Actions" which allows the AI to perform tasks on the user's PC, like opening files or creating presentations. This strategic move aims to boost AI adoption and redefine the PC user experience.

Microsoft boosts Windows 11 AI with new Copilot features

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 with new AI features, focusing on its Copilot assistant. Users can now activate Copilot using the voice command "Hey Copilot" on any Windows 11 PC. The Copilot Vision feature, which analyzes on-screen content, is expanding to all markets. Microsoft is also introducing "Copilot Actions" for Windows Insiders, allowing the AI to perform tasks like booking reservations or ordering groceries directly from the desktop. These updates aim to integrate AI more naturally into daily computer use.

Microsoft adds AI to Windows 11 as Windows 10 support ends

Microsoft is rolling out significant AI updates to Windows 11, encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 as its support ends. Key new features include a voice activation for Copilot, allowing users to say "Hey Copilot" to interact with their computer. Microsoft is also expanding Copilot Vision, an AI feature that analyzes screen content, to all users. This move is part of Microsoft's strategy to integrate generative AI tools deeply into its operating system and compete in the AI services market.

Microsoft's AI PC vision echoes past Cortana efforts

Microsoft's latest AI features for Windows 11, including "Hey, Copilot" voice activation, resemble earlier attempts with its discontinued voice assistant, Cortana. The company aims for AI PCs to understand natural language input and take actions on behalf of users. Copilot Vision is expanding globally, and new features like Copilot Actions will allow interaction with local files and applications. These updates integrate AI more deeply into core Windows functions, moving beyond app-specific features.

Honolulu police may use AI to help write reports

The Honolulu Police Department is considering using an AI program from Axon, their body camera vendor, to help officers write reports. This technology uses audio transcripts and body camera footage to generate draft reports. While officers would still need to review and add details, it could save them significant time. The ACLU of Hawaii has raised concerns about AI's reliability, bias, and opacity in the criminal justice system. The department plans to pilot the program by the end of the year or early next spring, focusing on less serious incidents first.

York police use AI cameras for crime solving amid privacy questions

The York Police Department is using four AI-powered automatic license plate recognition cameras from Flock Safety to aid in solving crimes. These cameras capture license plate numbers and vehicle details, helping officers track stolen vehicles and apprehend suspects with warrants. While police emphasize the cameras are a starting point for investigations and do not have facial recognition, community members have raised privacy concerns. A public meeting is planned to discuss the cameras' usage and data handling.

AI poised to reshape influencer marketing next year

Artificial intelligence is set to significantly change influencer marketing in the coming year. A majority of brands and industry leaders favor automating influencer marketing operations with AI, though most are not planning to use virtual influencers or avatars in 2026. Creators anticipate AI-generated content and AI-powered marketplaces will grow. However, consumers express concerns about brands using undisclosed AI-generated content and show increasing skepticism towards AI's role in creator content.

ZeroEyes launches AI drone system for firearm detection

Pennsylvania-based ZeroEyes has introduced the ZeroEyes Aerial Detection Kit (ZAD), an AI-powered drone software designed to detect firearms and other threats. ZAD can integrate with law enforcement drones to identify weapons, people, vehicles, and more in real-time. The system provides automated threat alerts to security centers, enabling faster response. While compliant with regulations, the technology has faced scrutiny due to past false alarms and concerns about normalizing drone surveillance.

Sarasota schools consider AI policy updates

The Sarasota County School Board is reviewing its artificial intelligence policy to address the growing use of AI in education. Current policy requires students to cite AI use, but an updated policy would allow AI only for brainstorming and support, with teacher authorization. Students would be prohibited from entering personal information into AI platforms due to privacy concerns. The policy also applies to staff, requiring permission and notification for AI use, though teachers will not grade assignments with AI.

Top IT firms invest in Oracle's AI Data Platform

Major IT services companies Infosys, Cognizant, Accenture, and LTIMindtree are investing in Oracle's $1.5 billion AI Data Platform. This collaboration aims to boost AI capabilities and innovation by training over 8,000 practitioners and developing more than 100 industry-specific AI use cases. The investment will leverage Oracle's platform to accelerate AI adoption, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and utilities, helping businesses improve decision-making and efficiency.

Cloudflare challenges Google's AI data use with robots.txt updates

Cloudflare is updating millions of websites' robots.txt files to influence how Google crawls content for its AI products, like AI Overviews. The company's Content Signals Policy aims to give website owners more control over how their content is used for AI training. This move comes amid publisher concerns that AI Overviews are reducing website traffic. Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince stated that while many AI companies are willing to pay for content, Google's free usage creates a competitive disadvantage.

Pacific AI joins Coalition for Health AI as certified provider

Pacific AI, a company focused on healthcare AI governance, has become a certified Assurance Resource Provider (ARP) with the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI). This partnership supports CHAI's goal of developing best practices for safe and equitable healthcare AI. Pacific AI offers pre-built test suites for AI applications, helping healthcare organizations adopt AI responsibly. Their expertise in AI testing, validation, and monitoring aims to build trust in AI-driven healthcare solutions.

Zillow launches AI-powered agent suite ZillowPro

Zillow has launched Zillow Pro, an integrated suite of AI-powered products designed to help real estate agents close more deals. The suite combines Follow Up Boss, My Agent, and Agent Profiles, providing agents with real-time insights into client activity on Zillow. This allows agents to stay top-of-mind and identify new opportunities. Zillow Pro also offers AI-powered follow-up alerts and personalized outreach based on client search behavior, aiming to enhance the agent-client relationship.

The Communications Group shares AI deployment lessons

The Communications Group, a marketing and PR firm, shared key lessons from its journey deploying artificial intelligence. They emphasize that AI adoption is a values decision, requiring a balance between innovation and ethics. Guiding principles include AI as an aid, not a replacement, mandatory verification of AI outputs, and alignment with client interests. The company found AI accelerates content development, research, and process efficiency, but stresses the importance of ongoing training, rigor, and adaptation.

Sources

• Microsoft pushes AI updates in Windows 11 as it ends support for Windows 10
• As Windows 10 Support Ends, Microsoft Is ‘Rewriting’ Windows 11 Around AI
• Microsoft launches new AI upgrades to Windows 11, boosting Copilot
• Microsoft pushes AI updates in Windows 11 as it ends support for Windows 10
• Microsoft’s vision for AI PCs looks a lot like another crack at Cortana
• Honolulu Police Could Start Using AI To Write Reports
• York police use Ai cameras to help solve crimes, but the community members have questions.
• In graphic detail: How AI is going to shape influencer marketing next year
• AI gun-detection firm ZeroEyes launches drone-based product
• Sarasota County School Board considers artificial intelligence policy change
• Infosys, Cognizant, Accenture, LTIMindtree invest in Oracle’s $1.5 bn AI Data Platform
• Inside the web infrastructure revolt over Google’s AI Overviews
• Pacific AI Becomes a Certified Assurance Resource Provider with the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI)
• Zillow Launches ZillowPro, AI Product Suite for Agents
• Deploying AI: Lessons From Our Journey