Microsoft has begun testing a groundbreaking voice activation feature for its Copilot AI assistant in Windows 11. The new "Hey, Copilot!" functionality enables users to wake the digital assistant without touching their devices, mirroring capabilities found in popular voice assistants like Siri and Alexa.

The feature represents a major shift in how users interact with Copilot. Previously limited to manual activation through buttons or keyboard shortcuts, the AI can now respond to voice commands immediately after detecting its wake phrase. Early testers report the system uses local processing to recognize the trigger words before connecting to cloud services for command execution.

To access this functionality, Windows Insider participants must update their Copilot application to version 1.25051.10.0 or higher. Microsoft is gradually rolling out the feature to English-speaking users worldwide, with availability expanding as testing progresses.

Once activated, users will see a microphone icon appear at the bottom of their screen when Copilot is listening. The system employs sophisticated audio buffering technology that can capture commands even if spoken slightly before or after the wake phrase.

While initial recognition happens locally without internet connectivity, executing most commands still requires an online connection. This hybrid approach balances responsiveness with the computational power needed for complex AI tasks.

The introduction of hands-free operation signals Microsoft's commitment to making AI assistance more accessible across Windows devices. As voice interfaces become increasingly sophisticated, features like this could redefine how we interact with our computers in everyday scenarios - from productivity tasks to entertainment control.

Key Points

1. Microsoft's "Hey Copilot!" enables voice-activated access to Windows 11's AI assistant
2. Currently available to select Insider program members with updated software
3. Uses local processing for wake-word detection before switching to cloud services
4. Represents a significant upgrade in hands-free computer interaction