Microsoft has been making waves with its latest offering, Copilot, an AI-powered productivity tool that is set to redefine the way you interact with your Microsoft 365 apps. Officially launched on February 7th, 2023, Copilot is said to represent a significant leap forward in the world of digital assistance, with a focus on enhancing user experiences through natural language and machine learning. So, join us as we dive into Microsoft Copilot, discussing how it operates and compares to other AI tools.
What is Microsoft Copilot?
At its core, Copilot is a platform designed to facilitate seamless interactions in Microsoft365 apps by harnessing the power of natural language processing, which helps machines process and understand the human language so that they can automatically perform repetitive tasks, and machine learning. Functioning as a digital assistant, Copilot allows users to search, create, and share AI-powered experiences effortlessly. Notably, it operates on the same GPT model as ChatGPT, making comparisons to the latter almost inevitable.
Some readers may remember Microsoft used to have an AI assistant called Cortana, which was officially discontinued in 2023. Copilot was introduced as a next generation AI replacement for Cortana and promises a litany of more uses and features.
How Does Copilot Work?
Copilot leverages large language models (LLMs), similar to ChatGPT, enabling it to understand prompts and generate relevant responses. It is important to note that Copilot does not access organizational data, showcasing Microsoft prioritization of user privacy. By taking in prompts and generating these relevant responses, Copilot becomes a valuable companion in various Microsoft 365 apps, offering contextual assistance tailored to users’ specific tasks.
As mentioned previously, Copilot seems to be best utilized as a M365 companion as it interacts with content and information within Office 365 apps. Copilot for Microsoft 365 supports users in the context of their work. For example, Copilot in Microsoft Word is designed to assist users specifically in the process of creating, understanding, and editing documents.
Copilot for M365 is available as an integration for the following licenses:
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium
- Microsoft 365 E5
- Microsoft 365 E3
- Office 365 E3
- Office 365 E5
How Does Copilot Compare to Other AI Tools?
Given its shared foundation with ChatGPT, Copilot operates similarly, but with enhanced efficiency and accuracy when comparing it to the free version of ChatGPT. Users of the free version of ChatGPT will find Copilot to be a significant improvement, while ChatGPT Plus users will most likely have a comparable experience. Microsoft designed Copilot to work off of the latest version of OpenAI’s GPT model, GPT-4, which is the same model that ChatGPT Plus users get access to. It is the most advanced model that OpenAI has created, and Microsoft has worked closely with the company to develop it within the constraints of its own systems.
Work With the Microsoft 365 Experts
Microsoft is trying to convey that Copilot is more than just a tool, but a gateway to a more streamlined and efficient digital experience. Whether you’re creating, understanding, or editing documents, Copilot seamlessly integrates into your workflow to increase your productivity. As a Microsoft Gold Partner, we are uniquely capable of handling any and all Microsoft 365 related situations, and can provide you with countless resources and webinars. If you’re thinking about transitioning to a Microsoft 365 office suite to gain access to Copilot, contact SWK today.