In a significant move to embrace the power of artificial intelligence (AI), Microsoft announced the launch of Copilot Plus PCs, equipped with advanced AI capabilities embedded directly into Windows 11. With over 40 AI models running on the new Windows Copilot Runtime, developers can now leverage these models to enhance their own applications.

During the Microsoft Build event, the company delved into the intricacies of the Windows Copilot Runtime, which encompasses a library of application programming interfaces (APIs) designed to facilitate developers in integrating AI frameworks and toolchains into their apps on Windows. This development opens up new opportunities for developers to create and ship their own on-device models.

One of the key features offered through the Windows Copilot Library is the inclusion of ready-to-use AI APIs, including Studio Effects, Live Captions Translations, OCR, Recall with User Activity, and Phi Silica. These APIs will be available for developers starting in June, allowing them to enrich their apps with features such as Studio Effects, filters, portrait blur, and more. Meta, the company behind the popular messaging app WhatsApp, plans to incorporate Windows Studio Effects into video calls, providing users with functionalities like background blur and eye contact.

Furthermore, developers can leverage Live Captions and the new AI-powered translation feature with minimal coding requirements. This simplifies the integration of these valuable tools into a variety of applications.

At the recent event, Microsoft also showcased its Recall AI feature, which enables Copilot Plus PCs to track and store user activities, serving as a personal snapshot of memories and creating a searchable timeline. This functionality is made possible through the implementation of the Windows Semantic Index, a local data storage system. Microsoft intends to provide developers with the ability to develop similar functionalities using the Vector Embeddings API to build their own vector stores and retrieve-appa-graph (RAG).

The integration of contextual information within applications further enhances the Recall feature, enabling users to seamlessly resume their activities across both Windows and the associated apps. This integration aims to improve app engagement and user experience.

These advancements in the Windows ecosystem form the cornerstone for the development of AI-powered applications on Windows 11, particularly with the upcoming Arm-powered systems and Neural Processing Units (NPUs) from AMD and Intel. Microsoft's commitment to providing an open platform for AI is strongly emphasized during the Build event.

The unveiling of the Windows Copilot Runtime and its accompanying features marks an important milestone, showcasing Microsoft's dedication towards driving the next wave of AI innovation within the Windows ecosystem. Developers can now access a powerful suite of AI tools and capabilities, setting the stage for a new era of intelligent applications.

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