Microsoft has recently announced significant upgrades to its Copilot AI assistant for Microsoft 365, a cloud software service that includes popular Office apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneDrive storage. The updates aim to improve the user experience and enhance the capabilities of the AI assistant.
One of the major enhancements is the integration of GPT-4 Turbo, a powerful AI model developed by Microsoft’s partner OpenAI. GPT-4 Turbo offers a larger “context window” that allows users to enter longer prompts and receive more comprehensive responses. This means that users can input larger chunks of text or information and have the AI analyze, edit, or work with them.
In addition to the GPT-4 Turbo integration, Microsoft has removed chat limits and increased file uploads for Copilot in 365. Users can now enjoy unlimited messaging and unlimited chats per conversation with the Copilot assistant. This upgrade provides more flexibility and convenience for users who rely on Copilot for their daily tasks.
Microsoft also emphasizes the importance of data protection when using Copilot. The company employs its commercial data protection system, which anonymizes and encrypts web traffic sent from 365 users outside of their companies. This ensures that sensitive information entered or accessed with Copilot remains secure and within the Microsoft 365 service boundary. Microsoft’s commitment to data protection aims to address concerns raised by customers and governments regarding the security of AI tools.
Furthermore, Microsoft offers a Customer Copyright Commitment for Copilot for 365 users. This commitment states that if a third party sues a commercial customer for copyright infringement related to the use of Copilot or the output it generates, Microsoft will assume responsibility for the potential legal risks involved. This provides peace of mind for enterprise customers who may be wary of copyright lawsuits surrounding generative AI technologies.
Looking ahead, Microsoft plans to introduce further enhancements to Copilot for 365. Starting next month, users will receive 100 daily “boosts” for fast image generations in the Designer AI image generator tool. This upgrade aims to significantly reduce waiting times for image creation and enhance productivity.
Despite these exciting upgrades, there have been controversies surrounding Copilot. The Designer tool, powered by OpenAI’s DALL-E 3, was implicated in the creation of nonconsensual deepfake pornography and explicit imagery of musician Taylor Swift. Microsoft has taken measures to address these issues and ensure that the tool is used responsibly.
Microsoft Copilot for 365 is available at a cost of $30 USD per user per month with an annual commitment. It requires a subscription to Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Business Premium, E3, E5, or Office 365 E3 or E5.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s upgrades to Copilot for 365 demonstrate the company’s commitment to improving its AI assistant and providing enhanced features for its users. The integration of GPT-4 Turbo, unlimited messaging, increased file uploads, and other upgrades enhance the capabilities and user experience of Copilot. With a focus on data protection and a commitment to addressing legal risks, Microsoft aims to build trust among its customers. The upcoming boost in fast image generations further enhances productivity and efficiency.