Have You Heard of Microsoft Copilot? Here’s What You Should Know
If you think ChatGPT is the most significant innovation in the generative AI field, you probably have yet to be introduced to Microsoft Copilot. Previously launched as Bing Chat, the latest version of Copilot is power-packed with advanced AI, ML, and NLP functionalities that give stiff competition to ChatGPT. And the most surprising part is that Copilot isn’t a standalone product but a suite of different AI tools, including Copilot Pro, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, GitHub Copilot, Copilots for Life, Data and Analytics Copilots, Copilot for Security, and Copilot for Sales, Services, and Development.?
At the same time, Microsoft has started offering built-in copilot functionalities in its upcoming range of Windows-enabled PCs and Laptops. These copilots are designed for both individual and enterprise uses. They are more than just an AI companion.?
As a ChatGPT user, I was curious to try Copilot and see whether it lived up to my expectations. To be honest, I was really impressed. So, I decided to share my experience of using this AI companion. I will reveal some of the secrets of how these copilots can help you with what you get in the Copilot Pro version and what you miss out on in the free one.?
But before we start, let’s look at some interesting facts and statistics about Copilot from Microsoft -?
What Exactly is Microsoft Copilot?
Copilots are basically chatbots that act as AI assistants to help users with various tasks. Microsoft has introduced several Copilots designed for different purposes. These AI companions are integrated into Bing, Windows 10, Windows 11, and the Microsoft Edge sidebar.
Using advanced versions of OpenAI’s models, Copilot can handle tasks like writing content, poems, and essays, translating text, and summarizing web content. Although not perfect, it can perform a wide range of activities described in natural language.
Similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, Copilot can browse the web (through Bing) to provide up-to-date information. While it may occasionally make mistakes, its ability to access current search results gives it an edge over offline bots like Anthropic’s Claude. Additionally, Copilot can create images using Bing Image Creator, which is based on OpenAI’s DALL-E 3 model.
So, What is Copilot Pro, Then?
Copilot Pro is Microsoft's premium subscription-based service, costing $20 per month. Subscribers get priority access to advanced OpenAI models during busy times and can use exclusive features like higher-resolution images from Image Creator.
Copilot Pro allows users to access AI functions across Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. In Word and OneNote, Copilot can help write, edit, summarize, and generate text.?
In Excel and PowerPoint, it can create presentations and visualizations from natural language prompts, using data from files and templates if needed. In Outlook, Copilot can draft email responses with options to adjust the length or tone. More features are expected in future updates.
Copilot Pro subscribers also get landscape formatting options and 100 "boosts" per day in Image Creator, compared to only 15 per day for free users, making the image-generation process faster.
However, Copilot Pro does not include Copilot in Teams, a feature that provides real-time summaries and action items in Microsoft Teams. This feature is only available to enterprise customers with a suitable Microsoft 365 license.
What’s Fueling Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is powered by advanced technologies that make it work like a human assistant. Its core technologies remain artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Specifically, it is based on the GPT-4 architecture.
Curious about how Copilot works? Here's how:?
When you ask Copilot a question or give it a task, it processes your input using natural language processing (NLP), which helps it understand the meaning behind your words, just like how humans do. Then, it uses its vast knowledge base, which includes information from the internet and other sources, to come up with a relevant and accurate response.
Copilot also learns from interactions, meaning it gets better over time. It adapts to different communication styles and can handle a wide range of topics.?
Copilot vs ChatGPT: Who Reigns Supreme?
Here’s the most exciting part! We know you were quite excited about it. As I have used both AI chatbots, I don’t think there’s a better time than today to share my experience.?
To make it easier for you to differentiate Copilot from ChatGPT, I have breakdown the comparison into three main grounds:?
Technology
Copilot is powered by OpenAI's Codex, which is a descendant of GPT-3. It is specifically designed to assist with coding tasks. It can suggest code snippets, complete lines of code, and even help debug.
On the other hand, ChatGPT is based on OpenAI's GPT-4 architecture. It is a general-purpose AI model that can engage in conversations, write poems and essays, answer questions, and provide information on literally every topic.
Pricing
Copilot offers a subscription model. As of now, it costs around $10 per month or $100 if billed annually for individual users. There are also plans for businesses and enterprises.
ChatGPT is available for free, but there is also a premium version - ChatGPT Plus, which costs $20 per month. The premium version offers faster response times and priority access to new features.
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Licenses
Copilot is integrated with GitHub, and its usage is subject to GitHub's terms of service. It is mainly targeted at developers and is used within the GitHub ecosystem.
ChatGPT can be accessed through OpenAI's platform and is available for various applications, including chatbots, virtual assistants, and more. It is governed by OpenAI's usage policies.
Different Copilot Products Available for Use
Microsoft Copilot is a collection of AI assistants created to boost productivity and simplify life. Below are the different types of Copilots and their functions.
Copilots for Life
Microsoft Copilot, previously known as Bing Chat or Bing Chat Enterprise, is perfect for everyday tasks. It improves your online search and browsing, making it quicker and easier to find the information you need. It works smoothly with Windows 11 and Edge, making it a great tool for both work and creative projects.
Copilot for Productivity
Copilot for Microsoft 365 is specifically designed to help you work more efficiently. It offers smart suggestions and automates tasks in apps like Word, Outlook, and Excel. By streamlining your workflows, Copilot helps you complete your tasks faster and more effectively.
Copilot for Data and Analytics
Microsoft Fabric offers Copilots that assist you in handling and examining your data more effectively. These tools provide useful insights, support data-driven decision-making, and enhance your business operations.
Copilot for Business Applications
It is designed specifically for business use and works with Dynamics 365 to improve business operations and customer interactions. This Copilot provides smart recommendations and automates routine tasks, allowing you to concentrate on more important activities.
Copilot for Security
Microsoft places a high priority on your security. The Security Copilot offers advanced security features to help protect user’s sensitive data and ensure compliance with regulations. This tool is part of Microsoft’s commitment to keeping your data secure and maintaining your trust.
Copilot for Sales, Services, and Development?
Microsoft Copilot is designed to help you in different business areas. Copilot for Sales helps sales representatives increase their sales efforts by providing useful insights and tools.
Copilot for Services assists service providers in delivering better services by offering helpful resources and support. At the same time, Copilot for Development aids developers in streamlining their coding tasks, making the development process more efficient.
Copilot Studio
Copilot Studio is a user-friendly dashboard that allows customers to connect Microsoft 365 Copilot to their data. This data can come from their systems or third-party software, such as CRM tools, enterprise resource management (ERM) systems, and other databases. Customers can use prebuilt connectors or create their own to link these systems.
With Copilot Studio, users can set guidelines for how Copilots should operate. They can also design and share customized Copilots that meet specific needs.
GitHub Copilot
GitHub Copilot is a tool designed to help with coding and programming tasks. It can be added as an extension to various Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, Neovim, and JetBrains. You can also use it in the cloud with GitHub Codespaces.
The AI model behind GitHub Copilot has been trained on a vast amount of code from many programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Ruby, and Go. Most of this code is publicly available on GitHub. As you write code, GitHub Copilot provides suggestions in real-time. You can choose to accept or reject these suggestions as you see fit.
What are Copilot PCs?
Copilot+ PCs are computers designed to assist users with various tasks using advanced AI technology. These PCs have built-in AI features that help make your work easier and more efficient. Imagine having a smart assistant inside your computer that can help you write, organize your schedule, find information, and even suggest ideas.
These PCs understand and respond to natural language. This means you can simply talk to your computer or type in your requests, and it will understand what you need.? Copilot PCs are also designed to learn from your habits and preferences.?
Over To You
I have been using Copilot for such a long time now. At last, I would say it is pretty impressive in terms of functionality, accuracy and pricing. Although ChatGPT remains a trendsetter of Generative AI, Microsoft Copilot is leaving no stone unturned to become one of the most powerful AI assistants.?
Above, I have tried to explain everything about Copilot. Comment down your experience of using Copilot and how it stacks up with ChatGPT.?