Tag: Copilot

  • Microsoft 365 Introduces AI Features for Additional Cost

    Microsoft 365 Introduces AI Features for Additional Cost

    Microsoft is enhancing its online office suite, but users will need to pay more for these improvements.

    The tech giant revealed that it will integrate its Copilot AI into the Office applications that come with a Microsoft 365 subscription. This includes popular programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Copilot is the AI feature that Microsoft has been gradually introducing into its different software, such as Windows 11.

    Pricing Changes

    Before this update, Windows users had to subscribe to Copilot Pro to use it in the Office suite, which cost $20 each month. Microsoft is keeping this subscription option, but now anyone can add Copilot to their Microsoft 365 plan.

    However, there is a slight downside. Adding Copilot to Microsoft 365 will increase the subscription fee by 30-42%. For individual users, the monthly cost will rise from $6.99 to $9.99 (or from $69.99 to $99.99 annually). For families, the price will go up from $9.99 to $12.99 per month, and yearly subscriptions will increase from $99.99 to $129.99.

    Additional Tools

    Copilot isn’t alone when it comes to AI features in Microsoft 365. The company is also introducing Microsoft Designer, which serves as an AI image editing tool.

    Copilot is already deeply integrated into Windows 11, and many new laptops, like the 2024 Surface Laptop, which currently costs $833 on Amazon, come equipped with a special button for Copilot on their keyboards.

    AI technology has been swiftly integrated into various consumer products, receiving a mixed reaction from users. Copilot, in particular, has faced significant backlash, with much of it focusing on its inadequate response quality (including alarming threats to users) and Microsoft’s aggressive application of the feature.

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  • Microsoft Rolls Out Full-Screen Ads for Windows 10 Users

    Microsoft Rolls Out Full-Screen Ads for Windows 10 Users

    Microsoft has a history of irritating users to encourage upgrades from older Windows versions, and now they seem to be focusing on persuading people to buy new PCs—particularly from the Microsoft Surface Laptop range. While the specific laptop is not mentioned, the intent is unmistakable. Microsoft is shifting its strategy from merely encouraging users to leave Windows 10 to pushing them towards replacing outdated hardware.

    The Role of Copilot+

    Copilot+, an AI feature that comes standard in Windows 11, plays a major role in these new advertisements. A full-screen prompt, which isn’t appearing for every Windows 10 user just yet, encourages people to “level up” by purchasing a PC compatible with Copilot+. The catch here is that only a limited number of machines currently meet the criteria for this new feature. For a device to be certified for Copilot+, it must have an integrated neural processing unit capable of executing at least 40 trillion operations per second. Right now, the only PCs available that fulfill this requirement utilize Snapdragon X, Intel Core Ultra, or AMD Ryzen AI processors.

    A Push for New Sales

    This strategy is clearly aimed at increasing the sales of new PCs. Windows 10 has maintained high user numbers for quite a while; however, since late 2021, the majority of new PCs sold have come equipped with Windows 11. This campaign is primarily focused on users clinging to their old hardware, and its aggressive and seemingly urgent approach might just nudge less tech-savvy users to make the switch. For those who wish to remain on Windows 10 and keep their older systems, there are a few alternatives, but the official support from Microsoft will only extend for a year. On the other hand, unofficial alternatives are mainly for users with more technical skills.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, Microsoft’s current marketing efforts highlight a trend towards getting users to update their hardware rather than just their software. With the introduction of features like Copilot+, they are making a clear push for modern machines, leaving older systems behind. While some users may find ways to stick to their current setups, the pressure from these ads could lead many to consider new purchases.

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  • Microsoft Postpones Copilot+ Recall to December

    Microsoft Postpones Copilot+ Recall to December

    Microsoft has once again postponed the Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs. This feature is designed to simplify the process of finding items on Windows by capturing screenshots of user activity at set intervals, which allows users to search through this information. It employs local AI models to create a timeline for users to explore.

    Initial Plans and Delays

    Originally, Microsoft intended to launch this feature in June. However, due to pushback from users and security experts, the rollout was pushed back to November. The company also decided that Recall would first be available to Microsoft Insiders for testing rather than being offered as an opt-in feature as previously planned.

    Further Postponement

    Now, Microsoft has announced yet another delay, moving the launch to December. Brendon LeBlanc, who is a senior product manager for Windows, informed The Verge that Microsoft is "dedicated to providing a secure and trustworthy experience with Recall" and is "taking more time to enhance the experience before introducing it to Windows Insiders".

    Hardware Requirements

    Recall will only be available on "Copilot+ PCs," which are computers equipped with dedicated NPUs (Neural Processing Units). To be classified as a "Copilot+ PC," Microsoft requires an NPU that can perform 40 trillion operations per second, along with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of solid-state storage.

    The Verge, Microsoft Windows Blogs.

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  • Expanding the Microsoft Copilot window for enhanced chat space

    Expanding the Microsoft Copilot window for enhanced chat space

    Microsoft recently announced updates to its Copilot for Windows, responding to user feedback with a small yet significant change. Shilpa Ranganathan, Corporate Vice-President for Windows at Microsoft, shared the news on her X (formerly Twitter) account, revealing that the chat windows for Copilot will now launch with a larger chat space by default, addressing a common user request.

    Improved Chat Window Size

    Ranganathan emphasized that users can still resize the Copilot chat window according to their preferences, with the option to switch back to a thinner side-by-side window if desired. Moreover, she hinted at the possibility of additional chat window size options in the future, including the potential for the Copilot window to occupy the entire screen or one monitor in a two-monitor desktop PC setup.

    Enhanced Side-by-Side Functionality

    In addition to the larger default chat window size, users will now find a dedicated button to make Copilot appear side by side with another open window. This feature allows Copilot to cover half the screen alongside any open app and seamlessly returns to overlay mode with another click of the button.

    Potential for Full-Screen Support

    Responding to a user suggestion for full-screen support, Ranganathan acknowledged that Microsoft is considering this idea. Given that Copilot operates as a web-view implementation and co-exists with the Edge browser, implementing full-screen support should be feasible. Users are advised to ensure they have the latest version of Microsoft Edge installed to access these new features.

    The updates to Copilot underscore Microsoft’s commitment to improving user experience and responsiveness to feedback. As Ranganathan indicates, there is much more to come for Copilot in Windows, suggesting ongoing development. Keep an eye here for interesting future additions to Copilot and more.

    • Expanding the Microsoft Copilot window for enhanced chat space
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  • More than 75 million users have adopted Copilot, resulting in a 70% boost in productivity.

    More than 75 million users have adopted Copilot, resulting in a 70% boost in productivity.

    Microsoft’s AI Tool, Copilot, Achieves Remarkable Success

    Microsoft’s AI tool, Copilot, has seen incredible success since its release on the Windows 11 system in October 2023 and the Windows 10 system in December 2023. In an earnings conference call, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that Copilot has been adopted by over 75 million devices worldwide in less than three months. This rapid adoption is a testament to the significant productivity gains that can be achieved with generative artificial intelligence tools like Copilot, which Nadella claims can boost productivity by up to 70%.

    Boosting Efficiency with Copilot

    The early adopters of Copilot have already experienced impressive results. According to Nadella, these users have shown a remarkable 29% increase in efficiency across various tasks such as searching, writing, and summarizing. This highlights the influence of artificial intelligence in transforming the way people work and the substantial productivity enhancements that can be achieved through the integration of generative AI into specific work tasks.

    Embracing Copilot in the Corporate Sector

    Copilot’s success extends beyond individual users to major companies like Dentsu, Honda, and Pfizer, who have deployed the AI tool to their employees. In just two months, the adoption rate of Copilot has exceeded that of the E3 or E5 kits, demonstrating a rapid embrace of the tool in the corporate sector. This widespread adoption showcases Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing productivity through innovative AI solutions. Copilot has become a valuable asset for users across different industries.

    Integration with Office 365

    The success of Copilot is further amplified by Microsoft’s recent announcement that the number of paying users of Office 365 has surpassed 400 million. The combination of Copilot and Office 365 provides users with powerful tools to achieve more in their work. This integration represents a significant step forward in the integration of artificial intelligence into everyday productivity tasks.

    In conclusion, Microsoft’s AI tool, Copilot, has achieved remarkable success since its release. With over 75 million devices worldwide adopting the tool in less than three months, it is clear that Copilot’s productivity gains are substantial. Early adopters have experienced a 29% increase in efficiency, and major companies have embraced Copilot in the corporate sector. The integration of Copilot with Office 365 further enhances its capabilities and showcases Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing productivity through innovative AI solutions.

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  • More Students and Teachers to Benefit from Microsoft’s Expansion of Copilot Access, Empowering Learning with AI

    More Students and Teachers to Benefit from Microsoft’s Expansion of Copilot Access, Empowering Learning with AI

    Microsoft Education has recently announced the launch of several new AI tools that are specifically designed for schools. These tools, including an expanded Copilot for Microsoft 365, a collaboration app called Loop, and an AI-powered Reading Coach, have been developed to enhance the learning experiences of students.

    Starting from January 1, 2024, a larger number of individuals, including students and teachers who utilize free Microsoft services, will have access to Copilot. Institutions such as The University of Hong Kong and The University of Manchester have already adopted this tool, and Microsoft has made it easier for other schools to acquire Copilot as well.

    Loop, an AI-powered app, is set to be included in Microsoft 365 plans starting from March 2024. The purpose of this app is to facilitate collaboration between students and teachers, enabling them to work together on projects in a unique and innovative manner.

    The Reading Coach is another notable tool introduced by Microsoft Education. This tool utilizes generative AI to assist individuals in improving their reading skills. It is designed to adapt to each person's reading level, offers dynamic story creation, and provides valuable feedback on reading proficiency.

    In addition to these tools, Microsoft is also introducing new AI features for teachers who use Microsoft Teams for Education and Microsoft Reflect. These features, expected to be released later this year, are intended to help teachers save time and customize their teaching methods to suit the needs of each student.

    In order to ensure the safe and responsible use of these AI tools, Microsoft has developed the AI for Educators Learning Path on Microsoft Learn. This learning path serves as a comprehensive guide for teachers and students, providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively utilize these tools.

    Overall, the introduction of these new AI tools by Microsoft Education signifies a significant step towards enhancing the educational experience for students and teachers alike. With the integration of AI technology, Microsoft aims to create a more collaborative and personalized learning environment that fosters growth and development.

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  • Microsoft’s Accessible AI Assistant Benefits Regular Users

    Microsoft’s Accessible AI Assistant Benefits Regular Users

    Microsoft Releases Consumer Iteration of Copilot Utilizing OpenAI’s ChatGPT Technology

    In a groundbreaking move within the AI sector, Microsoft has unveiled a consumer-friendly version of Copilot, driven by OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology. Priced at $20 monthly, this fresh release offers a more cost-effective and user-friendly option compared to its predecessor, which was tailored to larger enterprises at $30 per user each month with a minimum subscription requirement of 300 users. The removal of the mandatory subscription threshold now allows small businesses and individuals unrestricted access to the AI assistant.

    Addressing the Escalating Demand for AI Tools

    The launch of a consumer edition of Copilot by Microsoft underscores the company’s recognition of the surging desire for AI tools across a broader spectrum of users. Seamlessly integrated with Microsoft Office, this version empowers users to harness AI for a multitude of tasks including data synthesis, content generation, and answering queries within applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This incorporation is especially compelling as it blends the advanced capabilities of AI with everyday productivity tools, making AI a pragmatic component of both professional and personal endeavors.

    Promoting the Democratization of AI Technology

    By extending its AI assistant to individual consumers and smaller enterprises, Microsoft is not solely executing a strategic maneuver but also championing the democratization of AI technology. This initiative aims to render AI more accessible and valuable to a wider array of users. Moreover, Microsoft intends to introduce a tool for developing topic-specific Copilots, catering to the diverse requirements of its user base.

    Distinctive Advantage through Office Integration

    Despite the comparable pricing and features of Microsoft’s recent offerings with OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus, the integration of Copilot with Office bestows upon it a unique edge. Users can seamlessly employ AI capabilities within their familiar productivity suite, heightening their efficiency and output.

    Deliberations on Data Privacy

    It is crucial to note that Microsoft’s stance on data privacy varies between its consumer and corporate iterations of Copilot. For the consumer version, Microsoft plans to retain a portion of data for model refinement and augmentation. Nevertheless, this practice raises apprehensions about user privacy and the utilization of personal data.

    Final Thoughts

    In summary, Microsoft’s rollout of a consumer-grade Copilot with OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology signifies a momentous stride towards democratizing AI tools. With its integration into Microsoft Office, AI becomes more attainable and functional for professional and personal usage. While the fresh offering competes with similar products in terms of price and functionality, the Office integration confers a unique advantage. Nonetheless, users should prudently ponder the data privacy implications linked to Microsoft’s retention and application of personal data.

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  • Edge collaborates with Suno for AI-supported music production via Microsoft’s Copilot integration

    Edge collaborates with Suno for AI-supported music production via Microsoft’s Copilot integration

    Microsoft Copilot and Suno Collaborate to Simplify Music Creation

    Microsoft Copilot has teamed up with Suno, an AI-powered music creation platform, to introduce an innovative functionality that empowers users with no formal music expertise to craft personalized songs using just a text input. Suno, known for its advanced AI music composition algorithms, has united with Microsoft Copilot to develop a user-friendly tool that streamlines the process of song creation. Although the audio demonstrations on the official Suno website exhibit remarkable potential, there are significant considerations to employing this tool in Copilot.

    Streamlined Music Generation Tool

    This revolutionary music generation tool is currently integrated exclusively within Copilot on the Microsoft Edge browser. The workflow is simple: users input a text prompt, and the algorithm takes charge, producing fully developed songs complete with lyrics and vocal renditions. Furthermore, users have the option to craft instrumental tracks using the tool’s versatile capabilities.

    Tailored Songs Infused with Personalization

    Microsoft Copilot provides a range of prompt samples, such as "compose a pop song about family adventures" or "craft a melody encapsulating the essence of adolescence." The tool harnesses any personal information gathered by Copilot during usage, potentially resulting in songs that carry a deeply personalized essence.

    The deployment of this feature is being staggered, implying that certain users may need to exercise patience before it becomes accessible through updates.

    Limited Availability within Microsoft Edge

    It is worth noting that the new music generation feature is presently confined to the Microsoft Edge browser. Users must open Edge, navigate to the Copilot site, log in, and verify that the Suno plugin is active in the "Plugins" section located at the top right corner. Once a text description is input into Copilot, users await the AI system to finalize the song creation process.

    Preliminary feedback on the new feature has shown promise, with Copilot generating song lyrics for a popular track in approximately 10 minutes. However, challenges have been reported regarding the generation of accompanying music. In some instances, the link to the created song vanishes immediately, leaving users with lyrics but no musical accompaniment. Copilot has recommended imagining the tune or humming the lyrics as a temporary fix, although it remains uncertain whether this issue is isolated to specific tests or if it recurs.

    The gradual rollout of the Suno add-on is underway, and it will be accessible to all users in the upcoming weeks. The potential extension of this feature to other browsers is still uncertain, and any developments regarding this will be closely observed.

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