Microsoft is currently conducting tests for a new feature in its Copilot Voice application, allowing Windows 11 users to initiate interactions by saying “Hey Copilot!” Windows Insiders with the updated version can participate in this trial once they opt in and enable the functionality.
This voice activation feature mirrors commands that have been commonplace for several years with other voice assistants, including Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, and the now-defunct Cortana, which has been succeeded by Copilot. While dedicated keys have provided access for some time, this new capability is designed to enhance user experience following the introduction of a more conversational interface for Copilot Voice.
According to a blog post, users will need to activate the feature to allow it to respond to the wake word. The rollout of this update is gradual, and it is currently available to testers across the globe who have their display language set to English. To verify availability, users should check if their Copilot app version is 1.25051.10.0 or higher.
Upon activation, users will notice the Copilot microphone interface appearing at the bottom of their screen, accompanied by an audio chime indicating that the application is ready to listen.
The accompanying FAQ outlines that the feature utilizes an on-device wake word recognition system with a 10-second audio buffer. It does not transmit audio clips to the cloud or save them on the device. Users can activate the wake word functionality even when offline; however, access to the internet is required for the Copilot Voice feature to function and tap into cloud processing resources.
