SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 1 (Reuters) – Microsoft has introduced significant updates to its AI assistant, Copilot, enhancing its voice and reasoning capabilities. The AI-driven chatbot can now analyze web pages in real-time as users browse, making it more versatile for consumer use.
In a move to make Copilot more user-friendly, Microsoft has enlisted creative professionals, including psychologists, novelists, and comedians, to fine-tune the tone and style of the AI assistant. According to Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, this collaborative effort aims to create a more engaging and personalized AI experience.
One demonstration showcased Copilot’s new voice capabilities, where a user asked for a housewarming gift idea for a non-drinker. Copilot responded audibly, recommending Italian olive oils with conversational ease: “Italian (olive) oils are the hot stuff right now. Tuscan’s my go-to. Super peppery.”
The latest feature rollout, set to launch on Tuesday, is among the first under Suleyman’s leadership since his division was formed in March. This move is part of Microsoft’s ongoing push to improve its consumer AI products, positioning Copilot to compete with popular AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.
Despite challenges in the consumer space, where Bing struggles against Google’s dominance, Microsoft hopes Copilot will make a more significant impact. The AI assistant now offers interactive voice feedback like “cool” and “huh,” creating a more conversational user experience.
Built on Microsoft’s AI models and OpenAI technology, Copilot also introduces premium features for Pro users. The “Think Deeper” tool helps users reason through decisions, such as choosing between cities, while “Copilot Vision” enables users to talk to the AI about what they see in the Microsoft Edge browser. Microsoft ensures that user content will not be saved or used for AI training, providing privacy options for users.
These enhancements, according to Suleyman, are part of Microsoft’s vision for AI as an “ever-present confidant.” He noted that Copilot could eventually learn from users’ documents, desktops, and even gaming consoles, offering personalized support across various platforms.
When asked about Bill Gates’ thoughts on Copilot, Suleyman mentioned Gates’ excitement, especially regarding the assistant’s ability to read and analyze emails. “He’s always asking me when Copilot can read and parse his emails. It’s one of his favorite features,” Suleyman said. “We’re on the case.”
