A new key dedicated to launching Microsoft's AI chatbot Copilot will start appearing on Windows PCs this month. The move reflects Microsoft's strategy to leverage its partnership with OpenAI and position itself as a leader in the application of generative AI.

Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's Executive Vice President, forecasts that this enhancement will make 2024 the pivotal year for AI-integrated computing.

Despite the prevalence of smartphones for internet and AI access, this addition symbolizes the outset of a highly competitive year in the AI space for tech companies, even amidst unresolved ethical and legal issues.

Notably, last month, The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft, claiming that ChatGPT and Copilot infringe on copyright material.

The new AI key, adorned with the Copilot logo, will be situated near the space bar and may replace the right 'CTRL' or menu key on different PC models.

While Microsoft is not alone in creating custom keys—Apple introduced the 'Command' key in the 1980s and Google featured a search button on its Chromebooks—Microsoft's dominance in the PC market makes this a significant industry move. It maintains a vast market share, with about 82% of computers running Windows, as per IDC market research.

Details on which manufacturers will incorporate the Copilot button, aside from Microsoft's Surface devices, are scarce but some announcements are expected at the upcoming CES in Las Vegas, with product releases spanning from late February through Spring.