Introduction
Microsoft and partners have established a new keyboard key called "Co-Pilot". Pressing this key is supposed to open AI assistant functions either on the OS-level (i.e. Windows) or in the currently focused application (e.g. Office).
In technical terms, the Co-Pilot key is defined to press this previously unused hotkey combination:
→ Left Shift + Windows key + F23
F23 is part of the F1 to F24 key-row which has been a PC standard since the 1980's. While modern keyboards only present F1 to F12, the other 12 keys (F13 to F24) are still available to be defined by firmware and software.
Due to the fact that the Co-Pilot key presses a standardized (albeit obscure) key combination, the output of the Co-Pilot key can theoretically be mapped to other, custom functions. This can already be done with software such as AutoHotkey.
How to implement on new laptops
For our laptops, we have the option to implement the Co-Pilot key either as primary, secondary (Fn) or tertiary (Shift+Fn) function, or to not implement it at all.
No matter which route we take, we will allow users to customize the function via BIOS setup, so that primary function and Fn function can be switched around for this single key.
This BIOS customization is not related to FnLock, which typically only applies to F1~F12.
But even if the function is option via BIOS setup, we still have to decide if and where to print the "Co-Pilot" icon on the physical keyboard.
Most other brands will sacrifice the "Right-Ctrl" or "Context Menu" keys for in favor of Co-Pilot.
However, even if those keys may seem obscure to some users, they do have their function.
• "Right-Ctrl" is used for certain one-handed key combinations, like Ctrl+P - especially when not having the hands in a 10-finger-typing situation.
• "Context Menu" is used when navigating and editing files and folders via keyboard, without mouse input. For power users, this can be much quicker than switching between cursor keys and mouse for such operation.
Your choice below
Most keyboards in our portfolio do not have a dedicated "Context Menu" key. Instead, the "Context Menu" function is already sort of hidden as a secondary function behind Fn+"Right-Control".
The pictures below illustrates 5 different modes of implementation (printing) on such keyboards. After the pictures, we will ask you which option you prefer.
The example laptop in the pictures is SCHENKER VISION 14 - but this will most likely apply to all other future laptops as well. The last picture shows the un-altered layout, without a printed Co-Pilot logo.
Even if we do not print the logo (option "F"), we would still make the function available via BIOS setup.
Due to logistical reasons, we will not be able to offer single unit individualisation of the keyboard printing. This means: we have to make a decision and this decision will apply to all - at least in the sense of cosmetic appeal and BIOS setup defaults.
