Microsoft is revamping its AI-powered Copilot tool, aiming to create a more intuitive and supportive digital companion. The company is incorporating vision, voice, and advanced problem-solving capabilities into the software, which is used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
According to Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, the updated Copilot represents a significant leap forward in AI technology. “We’re at a transition point where AI companions can see, hear, and communicate with us in a more human-like way,” he says.
While Copilot has received mixed reviews, with some users experiencing lag or vagueness in its responses, Microsoft is betting on the tool’s potential to transform the way people work. By integrating OpenAI’s algorithms into its software, the company is pioneering the use of AI in office productivity.
The new Copilot will feature a more conversational interface, allowing users to interact with it in a more natural way. The AI will be able to handle interruptions and pauses, making it feel more like a human conversation. Suleyman notes that the goal is to create a tool that provides emotional support and encouragement to users. “It’s like having a hype man on your team,” he says.
The updated Copilot will be available in several countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US, with more countries to follow. The tool will be available in the free version of Copilot for Windows, as well as in a standalone mobile app and web version.
Microsoft is also introducing some experimental features, available to users who subscribe to the $20 per month Copilot Pro service. One of these features, called Copilot Vision, allows the AI to see users’ screens and react to their interactions. For example, a user can point to a product and ask Copilot for its opinion, based on reviews sourced from the web.
Suleyman notes that users are already using Copilot to ask for aesthetic advice, such as identifying patterns or dresses on fashion websites. This kind of interaction highlights the potential for AI to become a more integral part of our daily lives.
