Recap: Microsoft unveils Copilot, an everyday AI companion, and more in major update

Microsoft has announced a significant update that introduces extensive AI integration into its core products, quoting Microsoft as the source. The company’s goal is to enhance user experiences by seamlessly integrating AI-powered copilots into widely-used products, including GitHub for efficient coding, Microsoft 365 for workplace productivity, Bing and Edge for web search, and Windows for a holistic computing experience.

The centerpiece of this AI integration is ‘Microsoft Copilot,‘ described as an everyday AI companion. Copilot will leverage web intelligence, work-related data, and real-time PC activities to provide context-aware assistance while prioritizing user privacy and security. It will be available across Windows 11, Microsoft 365, Edge, and Bing, accessible as both an app and through right-click interactions.

The rollout of Microsoft Copilot will commence as part of a free update to Windows 11 starting on September 26. Additionally, updates will be introduced to Bing, Edge, and Microsoft 365 Copilot in the fall. This update includes over 150 new features, with AI-powered enhancements for apps like Paint, Photos, and Clipchamp.

Key highlights from the update include:

• Bing’s support for the latest DALL.E 3 model from OpenAI, offers personalized search results and an AI-driven shopping experience.
• Microsoft 365 Copilot’s availability for enterprise customers on November 1, 2023, along with the introduction of Microsoft 365 Chat, an AI assistant transforming work interactions.

The Windows 11 update, labeled version 22H2, promises a highly personalized experience with numerous features and AI-powered assistance. Some notable updates include:

• Copilot in Windows (in preview), designed to simplify tasks and improve productivity.
• AI enhancements in Paint and Photos, allowing for background removal, layers, and image editing.
• Improved search capabilities in Photos, based on image content and location.
• Enhanced capabilities in Snipping Tool, including text content extraction and audio capture.
• Clipchamp’s auto-compose feature for video editing.
• Automatic session state saving and restoration in Notepad.
• Integration of multiple accounts and intelligent tools in the new Outlook for Windows.
• Modernized File Explorer and a new Gallery feature.
• New text authoring experiences, voice access, and natural voices in Narrator.
• Simplified PC migration with Windows Backup.

In addition to these updates, Bing and Edge will offer new features powered by advanced AI models, such as personalized answers, Copilot in Microsoft Shopping, DALL.E 3 in Bing Image Creator, Content Credentials, and enhancements in Bing Chat Enterprise.

Furthermore, the company is introducing Designer, an AI-powered tool for creating visuals and designs, which will be integrated into Microsoft 365 Copilot. This integration begins with Word and aims to simplify content creation.

Microsoft is also launching a range of new Surface devices, including the powerful Surface Laptop Studio 2, the stylish Surface Laptop Go 3, and the versatile Surface Go 4 for Business, among others. These devices are designed to leverage AI innovations for enhanced user experiences.