Microsoft describes its Copilot generative AI service as “your everyday AI companion.” What does this entail? Copilot is a conversational chat interface designed to help you find information, generate text, and create images based on your prompts. Whether you need to summarize a memo, draft an email, or design an image, Copilot can assist you efficiently.

What Is Copilot?

Copilot allows you to search for specific information, generate text, and create images. For instance, you can ask it to summarize a memo in just two sentences or create images from detailed descriptions. Additionally, Copilot can write code in popular programming languages such as JavaScript, C, and Python. The technology is continuously evolving, affecting its functionality and user interface.

How to Access Copilot

You can utilize Copilot in several environments, each offering unique options.

• Copilot Website: Accessible via copilot.microsoft.com and Bing, it supports plugins for services like OpenTable and Kayak.
• Copilot Sidebar in Windows: Allows you to change Windows settings, summarize text, and open apps with a tap.
• Copilot in Bing and Bing Mobile App: Seamlessly switch between AI and regular search modes.
• Copilot Sidebar in Edge Web Browser: Separate buttons for text interactions and image creation with Microsoft Designer.
• Copilot Mobile Apps: Available for Android and iOS with the ability to toggle between GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 models.

Is Copilot Free to Use?

Copilot is free on the web, in Windows, in the Edge browser, and on mobile apps. However, a subscription is needed for enhanced features in Microsoft 365 apps, integration with personal data, or faster processing models. Copilot is currently available in specific regions and languages, including Chinese (Simplified), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish.

Copilot Pro: Cost and Benefits

For advanced usage, Copilot Pro costs $20 per month, providing integration with Office apps and faster response times. Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise customers can opt for Copilot for Microsoft 365 at $30 per person per month, featuring privacy settings and integration with team data. There are also specialized versions for sales and customer service, and a customizable Copilot Studio starting at $200 per month.

The Technology Behind Copilot

Copilot utilizes Microsoft's Prometheus AI model, leveraging OpenAI's GPT-4, GPT-4o, and DALL-E 3. It integrates various technologies such as the Bing search engine's database, Microsoft Natural Language Processing, and Azure cloud services to provide versatile and powerful AI solutions complimentary with Copilot’s free features.

Distinctive Features of Copilot

Copilot offers several unique features compared to other AI chatbots:

• Voice Input and Responses: Interact using voice, unlike with some other AI models.
• Image Upload: Certain versions allow image uploads.
• Choice of Style: Customize text style with options like More Creative or More Precise.
• Source Links: Provides prominent source links for information.
• Model Selection: Choose between GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 in the mobile app, with faster options for Pro subscribers.
• Free Image Generation: Access to DALL-E image creation without additional cost.

Privacy and Copyright Considerations

Copilot uses anonymized data to improve its models, but Microsoft pledges responsible AI use through rigorous policies and impact assessments. While free users need to be cautious about inputting sensitive information, business and educational accounts benefit from contractual data protections. Paying customers receive additional support under Microsoft's Copilot Copyright Commitment policy.

Ongoing Evolution and Challenges

The technology underpinning Copilot, based on advanced AI models, is rapidly evolving. While Copilot can produce diverse outputs such as prose, images, and charts, it may take longer to generate results compared to traditional search engines, and accuracy is not guaranteed. Continuous updates aim to enhance its performance, making it a significant yet developing tool in the landscape of AI technology.

Copilot represents a significant advancement in artificial intelligence, capable of performing a wide array of tasks. However, like all emerging technologies, it comes with limitations and requires ongoing refinement.