Podcast Summary: Hands-On Windows 140: Copilot+ Features Have Arrived
Podcast Information
- Title: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
- Host: Leo Laporte (TWiT)
- Description: Leo Laporte brings some of the most interesting personalities in technology together to talk about the most important issues. Fun, relaxed, informative and always entertaining, count on TWiT for the best tech podcasts in the world.
- Episode: Hands-On Windows 140: Copilot+ Features Have Arrived
- Release Date: May 15, 2025
Introduction and Overview
In this episode of Hands-On Windows, host Leo Laporte delivers exciting news about the long-awaited Copilot+ PC features finally reaching general availability in Windows 11. After months of anticipation and several preview releases through Microsoft's Insider program, the major update is set to roll out in May 2025, marking one year since the initial announcement of Copilot+ PC.
Notable Quote:
"The wait is over. All those cool Copilot plus PC features are finally coming." [00:00]
Major Copilot+ PC Features Now Available
Recall Feature
Recall remains the marquee feature of the Copilot+ PC suite. Initially delayed due to security concerns, Recall was previewed on Snapdragon X PCs in November and on X64 PCS in December 2024. As of May 2025, it transitions to general availability, although still marked as a preview feature. This functionality allows users to revisit and interact with their previous activities.
Notable Quote:
"Recall, of course, is the marquee feature that Microsoft was advertising at the Copilot PC launch a year ago." [04:30]
Click to Do
Click to Do enhances user interaction by allowing actions directly from on-screen content. By holding down the Windows key, users can access contextual commands related to the current screen content, whether it's text or images.
Notable Quotes:
"You can hold down the Windows key and get information about the stuff that's going on on screen." [08:15]
"You can ask Copilot to summarize, rewrite, etc.," [09:00]
Semantic Search
Semantic Search revolutionizes how users locate files and settings by understanding the context and content rather than relying solely on file names. Integrated with OneDrive, it allows searching across local and cloud-stored documents, images, and more.
Notable Quote:
"It's natural language. It's the semantic bit refers just to its AI powered running off the MPU and a Copilot plus PC." [17:45]
New Start Menu Enhancements
Microsoft is introducing a redesigned Start menu tailored to address user feedback. The new layout offers multiple viewing options, including category view, grid view, and list view, making app navigation more intuitive and visually appealing.
Notable Quote:
"It's bigger, so wider, taller, it takes up more of the space." [22:10]
Phone Link Integration: The updated Start menu incorporates a Phone Link bar, providing quick access to messages, calls, and photos from connected smartphones without needing to open the Phone Link app separately.
Notable Quote:
"This gives you a front end to whatever is the features of that you get through phonelink with your phone." [27:30]
Copilot Vision and Enhanced AI Interactions
Copilot Vision represents the next step in AI integration, allowing users to interact with content on their screens more naturally. Although still in the rollout phase, it promises to provide real-time summaries and feedback based on on-screen activities.
Notable Quote:
"With Copilot Vision, it actually just looks at what's on the screen and then provides you with feedback." [31:50]
Snipping Tool's Text Extractor Update
The Snipping Tool has received a significant update with the introduction of Text Extractor, an OCR feature that allows users to extract text directly from the screen without manual screenshots. This enhancement streamlines the process of capturing and utilizing on-screen text.
Notable Quote:
"Text Extractor has been available in Snipping Tool for a while. It's cool. OCR type function, right." [36:20]
Copilot Integration Across Windows 11
The episode highlights the seamless integration of Copilot across various Windows 11 applications, including Edge. Features like "Think Deeper" and AI-powered search functionalities enhance productivity and user experience.
Notable Quote:
"This has. This is sort of similar, but just in written form." [29:10]
Final Thoughts and Availability
Leo concludes by emphasizing that the new Copilot+ features are available to all Windows 11 users running the 24H2 update. The rollout begins with Patch Tuesday in May 2025, ensuring that users receive these enhancements promptly.
Notable Quote:
"If you have a Windows 11 PC you run 24H2, you're just going to get this stuff." [42:00]
Conclusion
This episode of Hands-On Windows provided an in-depth look at the latest Copilot+ PC features arriving in Windows 11. From enhanced AI capabilities and semantic search to a redesigned Start menu and improved Phone Link integration, Microsoft is significantly elevating the user experience. Leo Laporte effectively guided listeners through each new feature, offering practical demonstrations and personal insights, making the episode both informative and engaging for Windows enthusiasts.
Additional Resources
For more information and updates, visit TWiT.tv.