New Windows 11 preview provides more details on how AI agents will work (www.techradar.com)

Microsoft has released a new preview build of Windows 11, showcasing advancements in AI agents integrated into the taskbar. Notably, the update introduces the "Ask Copilot" feature for business users, allowing direct AI interaction alongside a new Researcher agent capable of conducting autonomous research and generating reports. Users can monitor the agent's progress via real-time updates, raising discussions on whether these agents should be represented as separate icons or integrated into a single interface. This development is significant for the AI/ML community as it paves the way for third-party AI agents through a new Agent Launcher framework, potentially expanding the ecosystem of AI functionality within Windows 11. However, the rollout has sparked controversy among users who feel that Microsoft's focus on AI is overshadowing essential improvements to user experience. While the features promise enhanced productivity, they reflect a tension between innovation and addressing existing user interface issues, highlighting the ongoing debate over prioritization in software development.