For decades, Microsoft has consistently positioned itself as an innovator and leader in the world of workplace technology. Responsible for some of the most popular operating systems, productivity suites, and other digital tools, Microsoft has consistently supported teams in discovering new, more efficient ways to manage their workflows.

When conversations around generative AI began ramping up over the last year, Microsoft was one of the first companies to invest in the next generation of intelligence, implementing ChatGPT technologies into its Viva, Teams, and Bing Search solutions.

Now, the company has introduced yet another solution built on top of the large language models (LLMs) created for generative AI: Microsoft Copilot. Combining innovative LLM technology with insights taken from Microsoft Graph and Microsoft 365 apps, the Copilot solution promises to enhance modern workflows, allowing users to unlock greater levels of efficiency and productivity across the Microsoft ecosystem. But what exactly is Copilot, and is it free to use?

What is Microsoft Copilot? An Introduction

Microsoft 365 Copilot, otherwise known simply as “Copilot” is an AI-enhanced assistant developed to work within existing Microsoft applications and tools. According to Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, it marks the next major step in computing productivity, allowing users to leverage large language models and conversational AI in their everyday workflows.

Developed with the latest version of the ChatGPT LLM technology (GPT 4), Copilot allows users to interact with their crucial tools, from Microsoft Word, to PowerPoint, using everyday language. When users type queries into the chatbot input field, the data is routed through the Microsoft Graph system for analysis and interpretation before it’s forwarded to the GPT language model.

According to Microsoft, Copilot introduces an entirely new way of working, supporting users in two fundamental ways. First, the solution will be embedded into all of the Microsoft 365 productivity apps users leverage each day, such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Teams.

Secondly, Copilot will also be implemented into the new Microsoft “Business Chat” service, which will also leverage the LLM technology to assist users with managing their calendars, emails, chats, documents, meetings, and contact information. With natural language prompts, users will be able to generate status updates, meeting agendas and more with minimal effort.

Microsoft notes the user remains in complete control when accessing the service, choosing what information they want to leverage, modify, or discard. The idea behind the service is to make people more efficient and creative in Word, more analytical when using Excel, and more productive when accessing Teams, Outlook, and other services.

Is Microsoft Copilot Free?

At the time of writing, Microsoft still hasn’t released a full version of Microsoft Copilot for the general public. As such, it’s difficult to know for certain whether it will be available as a free add-on for the Microsoft toolkit, or whether users will need to pay an additional subscription fee.

At present, the Copilot functionality is in testing mode, with only a handful of business users accessing the solution in its beta version. Microsoft hasn’t announced any further information about pricing or subscription models. It may be that Copilot is introduced into Microsoft tools in a similar way to other generative AI enhancements leveraged by Microsoft recently.

For instance, ChatGPT capabilities are available to access for free with a subscription to Microsoft Viva Sales. Additionally, users can add their Open AI account to Teams to leverage ChatGPT functionality within the collaboration tool, which doesn’t necessarily require an extra fee.

However, there’s also a chance Microsoft may choose to create a new subscription plan for its products, which separate the standard apps in the portfolio from those enhanced with generative AI. For instance, Microsoft Teams recently introduced a new “Premium” plan, which allows companies to leverage a new range of features connected to intelligence, personalisation, and security.

What Can Companies Do with Microsoft Copilot?

Thanks to its investment in Open AI, the company behind the famous ChatGPT service, Microsoft has perfectly positioned itself to be on the front lines of the generative AI revolution. The company has already begun implementing large language models into a variety of tools, ranging from the Viva employee engagement toolkit to Microsoft Bing for search.

The Copilot solution created by Microsoft will allow the company to further enhance its position in the AI-enhanced productivity market. Like many solutions offered by Microsoft, there’s a good chance the functionality offered by Copilot will evolve over the years. At present, business leaders will be able to leverage the technology in various ways across each Microsoft app. For instance:

  • Microsoft Word: In Microsoft Word, Copilot can write content, edit pre-written pieces, and summarise important statements using artificial intelligence. Users can adjust the content produced by the tool to reflect their personal style or tone.
  • PowerPoint: With Copilot in PowerPoint, users will be able to create sample presentations using basic information and stock images from their computer. The solution can automatically transform simple ideas into a step-by-step presentation, with speaker notes and citations.
  • Excel: In Microsoft Excel, users will be able to leverage Copilot to access new insights from data, spot patterns, and create more effective spreadsheets. Copilot could effectively reduce the need for users to master complex formulas when building spreadsheets.
  • Teams: For users of Microsoft Teams, Copilot offers a way to make meetings more productive and efficient. The solution can create real-time summaries and display action items for follow-up conversations, all while considering the context of a conversation.
  • Outlook: For email users on Microsoft Outlook, Copilot will be able to assist with organising and consolidating an inbox. The solution can help to suggest responses to emails, and even provide condensed overviews of all the messages in a thread.
  • Power Platform: In Microsoft Power Platform, Copilot will assist developers with varying skills to prototype and develop low-code applications. Copilot can improve developer productivity, and provide insights into how to improve the performance of code.
  • Business Chat: In the new Microsoft Business Chat service, Copilot will curate data from across various documents, calendars, notes, presentations, and contact profiles, to help summarise chats, find key dates, write business plans, and develop emails.

Accessing Microsoft Copilot

As mentioned above, Copilot is currently only available to a select number of business clients, testing the beta product. In the months ahead, however, Microsoft plans to roll the solution out to a range of users, ensuring anyone can access Copilot functionality in all of their Microsoft 365 apps and tools.

Microsoft also announced Dynamics 365 Copilot this year, which will add to the potential of the toolkit, by providing generative AI capabilities within an ERP and CRM ecosystem.



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