Microsoft said on Tuesday that a new operating system update will allow PC users to talk to Bing’s chatbot by typing requests and questions directly into the Windows 11 search bar. And for some Microsoft customers, that update will be available earlier today.
It seems inevitable that Microsoft’s newest product in years will be folded into Windows; after all, access to the chatbot has been added to several of its mobile apps, not to mention Skype. But the company’s push to make the new chatbot more accessible comes with caveats.
For one, the chatbot is not modified in any way to “see,” search for, or interact with any files stored on your computer. When you start typing a question or a request in the search bar in Windows 11, you will be given the option to complete that process in Bing – from there, the chatbot will continue the conversation in the same way as a web browser.
And even if you’ve installed the new software, you still won’t be able to chat with Bing unless you’re already on the waitlist — a list that, according to Microsoft corporate vice president Yusuf Mehdi, contains . “several million” of people.
(When asked whether the company would move people off the chatbot waitlist more quickly in response to the software update, a Microsoft spokeswoman said “there is no change in pace or approach.”)
Microsoft’s reluctance to allow broader access to the Bing chatbot means that, for now at least, many who download this new Windows 11 update can’t use its most high-profile feature. . But that doesn’t mean you should stop installing it – the update also comes with some new and improved tools that fix some long-standing pain points .
Here are three features coming to Windows 11 soon that you can try for yourself.
1. Send iMessages from your PC
A new version of Microsoft’s Phone Link tool will finally allow Windows PC owners to connect and talk from Apple’s iPhones. (Previously, the feature only worked on Android devices.)
Once you’ve completed a quick setup process that includes pairing your PC and iPhone via Bluetooth, you can see incoming calls, messages and app notifications right on your computer screen. The catch? It’s only available in preview form at the moment, which means you have to be a member of Microsoft’s early access software testing program to try it out. And even if you’re selected to test the feature, you won’t be able to reply to group chats or send images — at the moment, it’s unclear if that will change over time.
2. Remote troubleshooting just got easier
Microsoft has also made some changes to its Quick Assist tool, which we’ve recommended in the past as a great way to remotely troubleshoot PC issues for friends and loved ones who are less able to task. A new “laser pointer” tool should make it easier to show the people you’re helping what they need to see, and you’ll be able to more easily switch between screen sharing – where the viewer is. You just give direction – and take full control of yourself.
3. Super-simple screen recording
The Windows Snipping Tool is invaluable for taking and saving screenshots you need to hang on to, but now you can also use it to record on-screen action as a video. Well, that doesn’t sound like the most exciting addition of all time, but we use tools like this all the time, and it’s nice not to have to vet and download third-party software to get the job done. .
Hopefully these three tools will make your day easier. There’s more to Microsoft’s latest update to unpack – we’ll update this story as we continue our testing.