Microsoft's New AI: How Copilot is Changing the Way We Work

By Cepy 8/05/2023 Post a Comment

Hi Online Friends,

If you're like me, you probably use Microsoft 365 apps every day to create documents, emails, presentations, and more. But what if I told you that there's a new way to use these apps that can make your work easier, faster, and more creative? A way that leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to help you generate content, insights, and solutions with just a few clicks or words?

Well, that's exactly what Microsoft's new AI, Copilot, can do for you. Copilot is a generative AI assistant that works across Microsoft 365 apps and services to help you with your everyday tasks. Whether you need to write a report, analyze data, design a slide, or compose an email, Copilot can help you get it done.

In this article, I'll tell you everything you need to know about Microsoft's new AI, Copilot. I'll explain what it is, how it works, what it can do for you, and how you can get started with it. I'll also answer some of the most common questions about Copilot and share some of the latest news and updates from Microsoft AI.

So let's get started!

What is Copilot?

Copilot is a generative AI assistant for Microsoft 365

Copilot is a new feature of Microsoft 365 that uses generative AI to help you create content, insights, and solutions across your apps and services. Generative AI is a type of AI that can produce new content based on your input and context. For example, if you give Copilot a topic or a prompt, it can generate text, images, charts, tables, or code for you.

Copilot works across Microsoft 365 apps and services like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more. You can access Copilot from the app toolbar or by using natural language commands. For example, you can type "Copilot: write an introduction paragraph about microsoft's new ai" in Word and Copilot will generate a paragraph for you.

Copilot is powered by Microsoft AI

Copilot is powered by Microsoft AI, which is Microsoft's approach to developing and democratizing AI technology. Microsoft AI is based on three pillars: research, platform, and responsibility.

Research: Microsoft has been investing in AI research for over 25 years and has one of the largest and most respected AI research organizations in the world. Microsoft Research is advancing the state of the art in AI by developing new algorithms, models, and frameworks for various domains and applications.

Platform: Microsoft offers a comprehensive AI platform that enables developers and customers to build and deploy their own AI solutions. Azure is the cloud platform that powers Microsoft AI and provides various tools and services for vision, speech, language, decision-making, and machine learning. GitHub is the developer platform that integrates with Azure AI and provides tools like GitHub Copilot, which helps developers code faster and better with AI.

Responsibility: Microsoft is committed to making AI responsible and trustworthy by following ethical principles and best practices. Microsoft has developed a responsible AI program that covers aspects like fairness, reliability, privacy, security, transparency, accountability, and human-centeredness. Microsoft also engages with various stakeholders and partners to foster dialogue and collaboration on responsible AI.

What can Copilot do for you?

Copilot can help you create content faster and easier

One of the main benefits of Copilot is that it can help you create content faster and easier across your apps and services. Whether you need to write a document in Word, design a presentation in PowerPoint, compose an email in Outlook, or chat in Teams,Copilot can help you generate content with just a few clicks or words.

For example:

In Word, you can use Copilot to write paragraphs, summaries,headings,bullet points,lists,tables,citations,and more.
In PowerPoint,you can use Copilot to design slides,layouts,images,charts,animations,transitions,and more.
In Outlook,you can use Copilot to compose emails,subject lines,signatures,greetings,closings,and more.
In Teams,you can use Copilot to chat with your colleagues,send messages,attachments,emojis,gifs,and more.

Copilot can also help you create content in different languages, styles, and tones. For example, you can ask Copilot to write in English, Spanish, French, or any other language supported by Microsoft Translator. You can also ask Copilot to write in a formal, informal, casual, or humorous style. You can even ask Copilot to write like a specific person or a celebrity.

Copilot can help you get insights and solutions from your data

Another benefit of Copilot is that it can help you get insights and solutions from your data across your apps and services. Whether you need to analyze data in Excel, Power BI, or Azure, Copilot can help you get answers to your questions and problems with AI.

For example:

In Excel,you can use Copilot to perform calculations,formulas,functions,charts,tables,pivot tables,and more.
In Power BI,you can use Copilot to create reports,dashboards,visualizations,queries,and more.
In Azure,you can use Copilot to access various AI services like Azure OpenAI Service, Azure Cognitive Services, Azure Cognitive Search, Azure Machine Learning, and more.

Copilot can also help you get insights and solutions from your data using natural language. For example, you can ask Copilot questions like "What is the average sales revenue by region?" or "How can I improve customer satisfaction?" and Copilot will generate responses based on your data.

How to get started with Copilot?

Copilot is available for Microsoft 365 subscribers

To use Copilot, you need to have a Microsoft 365 subscription. Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based service that provides access to various apps and services like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, and more. You can choose from different plans and pricing options depending on your needs and preferences.

If you already have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can access Copilot from the app toolbar or by using natural language commands. For example, you can click on the Copilot icon in the toolbar or type "Copilot: " followed by your request in any app or service.

Copilot is currently in early access program

Copilot is currently in early access program, which means that it is not yet available for everyone. Microsoft is inviting select customers and partners to join the early access program and provide feedback on Copilot. The early access program is expected to last until the end of 2023, when Copilot will be generally available for all Microsoft 365 subscribers.

If you want to join the early access program, you need to sign up on the Microsoft 365 Copilot website and fill out a short survey. You will be asked about your role, industry, location, and how you use Microsoft 365 apps and services. You will also be asked about your interest and expectations for Copilot. If you are selected for the early access program, you will receive an email invitation with instructions on how to activate and use Copilot.

FAQs about Microsoft's new AI

What is the difference between Copilot and Cortana?

Copilot and Cortana are both AI assistants from Microsoft, but they have different purposes and capabilities. Cortana is a personal assistant that helps you with tasks like setting reminders, checking the weather, playing music, searching the web, and more. Cortana works across devices like Windows 10 PCs, smartphones, tablets, speakers, headphones, and more. Cortana also integrates with various apps and services like Outlook, Skype, Spotify, Amazon Alexa, and more.

Copilot is a generative AI assistant that helps you with tasks like creating content, insights, and solutions across Microsoft 365 apps and services. Copilot works within apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more. Copilot also integrates with various AI tools and services like GitHub CopilotAzure OpenAI ServiceAzure Cognitive ServicesAzure Cognitive SearchAzure Machine Learningand more.

Is Copilot safe and secure?

Yes,Copilot is safe and secure. Microsoft follows strict security standards and practices to protect your data and privacy when using Copilot. For example:

Copilot uses encryption to secure your data in transit and at rest.
Copilot does not store or share your data without your consent.
Copilot does not access or modify your data without your permission.
Copilot follows Microsoft's privacy policy and terms of service.
Copilot adheres to Microsoft's responsible AI principles and practices.

How much does Copilot cost?

Copilot is included in the Microsoft 365 subscription, which means that you don't have to pay extra to use it. However, the price of the Microsoft 365 subscription may vary depending on the plan and option you choose. You can check the Microsoft 365 website for the latest pricing and offers.

Can I customize Copilot?

Yes, you can customize Copilot to suit your needs and preferences. For example, you can:

Change the language, style, and tone of Copilot's output.
Adjust the level of detail, creativity, and accuracy of Copilot's output.
Provide feedback and ratings to Copilot to improve its performance.
Create and share your own prompts and templates with Copilot.

What are the limitations of Copilot?

Copilot is a powerful and innovative AI assistant, but it is not perfect or infallible. Copilot has some limitations that you should be aware of and respect. For example:

Copilot is not a replacement for human intelligence, creativity, or judgment. You should always review and verify Copilot's output before using it.
Copilot is not a source of truth or authority. You should always cite and acknowledge your sources and references when using Copilot's output.
Copilot is not a guarantee of quality or accuracy. You should always check and edit Copilot's output for errors, inconsistencies, or inaccuracies.
Copilot is not a solution for every problem or task. You should always use your own skills, knowledge, and experience when using Copilot's output.

Conclusion

Microsoft's new AI, Copilot, is a generative AI assistant that works across Microsoft 365 apps and services to help you create content, insights, and solutions with AI. Copilot can help you work faster, easier, and more creatively across various domains and applications. Copilot is powered by Microsoft AI, which is Microsoft's approach to developing and democratizing AI technology.

If you want to try Copilot, you need to have a Microsoft 365 subscription and sign up for the early access program on the Microsoft 365 Copilot website. You can also learn more about Microsoft AI on the Microsoft AI website.

I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about Microsoft's new AI, Copilot. If you did, please share it with your friends and colleagues who might be interested in it too. And if you have any questions or comments about Copilot or Microsoft AI, please leave them below. I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for reading!

If you liked this article, you might also like Microsoft AI News, where I share the latest news and updates from Microsoft AI.

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