Windows 11 update could predict what you do next but will it be the next Clippy?

Date:
Mon, 21 Mar 2022 12:09:28 +0000

Description:
Windows 11 update uses AI to predict what youll do next but weve been here before.

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A new Windows 11 feature has leaked, giving us not only a glimpse at what Microsoft has in store for its operating system in the future, but also confirming that the next major update will be called Sun Valley 2 .

Many had assumed that the upcoming update, also known as Windows 11 22H2
would be called Sun Valley 2, as that was the name Microsoft was reportedly using internally. However, as WinCentral points out , a page on Microsofts public Feedback page (which has since been removed) mentions SV2 essentially confirming that Microsoft will be using the name Sun Valley 2 when talking in public about the new update and not just using it as an internal codename.

However, more interestingly, a hidden new feature has been found in Windows 11s latest Dev channel release, known as Suggested actions and it could one of the biggest changes yet for the new operating system. Predicting the
future

The Suggested actions feature looks like Windows 11 will guess what you want to do next depending on how youre using the PC.

So, if you highlight a date, for example, a prompt could appear suggesting
you make an event in your calendar for the day youve selected.

Theres not much to go on at the moment, apart from a few screenshots, but as WinCentral suggests, Microsoft may use machine learning to better understand how you use your PC, then offer up relevant suggested actions.

This feature has the potential to be quite useful if implemented well, and could speed up some of the most common tasks we use on our PCs. Depending on how often these suggested actions appear, it could also be one of the most noticeable changes that Microsoft has introduced to Windows.

While theres plenty of potential for this new feature, theres also a lot of risk, as well. Analysis: Bad memories of Clippy (Image credit: Microsoft)

This isnt the first time Microsoft has tried to guess what youre going to do next, then suggest your next steps. Most famously, Microsoft added a particularly unlovable helper to its Office 97 suite known as Clippy. This smart paper clip would pop up when you were working, and would offer help depending on the task it thought you were doing.

So, if you typed in an address, then typed Dear, Clippy would appear and say It looks like youre writing a letter then offer help based on that.

The problem was, Clippy was immensely unpopular, with many people complaining that it would pop up at inopportune moments and offer poor advice.

Clippy was so annoying, it became famous, and not for the reasons Microsoft had wanted, and ended up being a joke. Microsoft stopped shipping it with Office, but would occasionally reference it in self-deprecating digs (including a few April Fools jokes where the company pretended it was
bringing it back, much to peoples horror).

So, the Suggest actions feature needs to be carefully implemented. If it pops up too regularly, and bugs users and offers incorrect help, it could quickly get a reputation as Clippy 2.0 and no one wants that.

The new feature is only in an early build aimed at developers, so it may not even make it to Windows 11. Were sure that Microsoft will be closely monitoring feedback from early users and if theres even a slightest hint of it being compared to Clippy, the plug could be pulled. These are the best Windows 11 tips and tricks



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/windows-11-update-could-predict-what-you-do-nex t-but-will-it-be-the-next-clippy/


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