As Microsoft unveiled more of its plans for AI domination at its Build developer conference today, no aspect of its business will be left untouched by AI. In addition to bringing its "Copilot" to Windows 11 and Edge, the company also shared details on how it will be infusing the Store with AI, beginning with the new AI Hub.
This is a "new curated section in the Microsoft Store where we will promote the best AI experiences built by the developer community and Microsoft," the company said in a press release. It will use this area to "educate customers on how to start and expand their AI journey, inspiring them to use AI in everyday ways to boost productivity, spark creativity and more." Examples include apps like Luminar Neo, Descript, Podcastle, Copy.ai, Kickresume, Play.ht and other services that let users tap AI to help them create content.
The Store will also get AI-generated review summaries that takes feedback left by other users on apps and games and generates a concise rundown of what was said. This way, people won't have to sift through the "thousands of reviews," that Microsoft says some popular apps have.
If you're a Windows Insider, you'll be able to try out a new feature in preview that will restore your Store app icons when you're transitioning to a new Windows 11 device. You'll have to be moving from a Windows 10 or 11 setup to begin with, and when you switch over, icons for your Store apps will "automatically get restored right where [you] had them — on the Start menu and Taskbar."
Developers will also be getting some AI support, like automatically generated keywords and suggested Search Tags in the Partner Center. This will use AI to "consumer your metadata, as well as other signals, and help you improve the discoverability of your app in the Microsoft Store search results." The company is also adding the ability to list your app in multiple categories.
Microsoft Store Ads are also expanding in a few ways. First, they'll be added to search results on Bing starting next month, so people using their browsers to look for stuff will also be aware of relevant Windows apps. Next month, they'll also be reaching outside the US market to more than 150 regions around the world. Developers will also get the option to display rich advertising in the spotlight section of the Store.
Most of the consumer-facing features announced for the Microsoft Store today will be available "soon," and more specific timeframes have yet to be shared. Still, it's clear the company is intent on bringing AI to every part of its business and all its products and the onslaught is nigh.
The Realme 12 Pro+ is apparently the first in its price segment to offer a 3x periscope zoom camera, and with a larger sensor than the competition.
We rounded up the weirdest stuff we saw at CES 2024 this year.
The LG Bon Voyage is concept camping trailer that packs in many of LG’s CES “greatest hits,” retooled and restyled for near-future camping that’s both incredibly comfortable and… unlikely.
It's an all-in-one solar station for your truck roof.
Everything you need to know about Auracast, part of Bluetooth LE Audio.
Can't grill at home because your landlord doesn't allow open flames? Current Backyard has two all-electric smart grills to ease that frustration.
Presenting our 12 honorees, plus the winner of our best in show award.
If you thought Big Tech’s dreadful year of layoffs would be confined to 2023, you’re (sadly) mistaken. Audible laid off around five percent of its employees on Thursday, which Variety reports is “just over 100 staffers.”
Moss Air is an air-purifying humidifier powered by moss, and it's also nice to look at.
eBay has agreed to pay $3 million to resolve criminal charges in a bizarre harassment campaign that saw former employees send live spiders and other unpleasant things to a couple's home.
Discord have decided to cut its staff by 17 percent, according to an internal memo.
Google has officially voiced support for Right to Repair (R2R) legislation. Although Google’s motives could be less about newfound altruism and more about shaping regulatory action that seems increasingly inevitable, “A win’s a win,” as they say in sports.
Engadget's Richard Lai tries on the Xreal Air 2 Ultra AR glasses at CES 2024.
Ubisoft’s upcoming refresh in the long-running Prince of Persia series, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown accidentally features a character voiced by a text-to-speech program. The company’s aware of the issue but it won’t be fixed in the day-one patch.
Credential stuffing has become so prevalent, that you’ve likely already fallen victim.
A unique new controller making its first public appearance at CES 2024 lets people control phones, tablets and laptops with their tongues.
Packing a gorgeous build, magnetic faceplates with a tool-free design, excellent switches and gasket sock dampening system, the Monokei Systems might be the premium low-profile keyboard I've been searching for.
Valve appears to have had a change of heart about fan-made tribute projects “borrowing” its IP. GamesRadar+ reported on the Steam maker’s DMCA takedown notice sent to the creators of Team Fortress: Source 2, an attempt to port TF2 to the more modern game engine.
The biggest news stories this morning: The gadgets from CES 2024 that you can buy right now, ‘Teach’ your dog to ‘play’ this ‘piano’, What to expect from Samsung Unpacked 2024.
The low cost and greater output mean they're not just for TVs and coolers any more.
Subscribe to our two newsletters:
– A weekly roundup of our favorite tech deals
– A daily dose of the news you need
Please enter a valid email address
Please select a newsletter
By subscribing, you are agreeing to Engadget's Terms and Privacy Policy.
Leave a Reply