EXPLORING THE AI WORLD 
Microsoft is doubling down on its efforts in generative AI with the latest announcement of new features and pricing for its AI-supported Copilot application.
This announcement follows a series of bold moves by the tech giant since it incorporated ChatGPT into its Bing search engine in February.
Copilot was first announced in March 2023 as a digital assistant designed to work across Microsoft apps to automate tasks and create content such as PowerPoint presentations and meeting notes.
During the annual Microsoft Inspire 2023 event on the 18th and 19th of July, the firm disclosed that Copilot will cost $30 per user per month, supporting Microsoft 365 E3, E5, Business Standard, and Business Premium customers.
However, the company has not yet communicated when Copilot will be widely accessible. Currently, it is available to about 600 enterprise customers globally.
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There is also a newly added Sales Copilot targeted at sales teams, which intends to be a “seller’s companion.” It integrates users' CRM like Salesforce and works with Microsoft 365, Outlook, and Teams apps.
It provides real-time tips you can use during Teams meetings, auto-generates customer data summaries, and creates emails based on Dynamics 365 Sales data, among other useful features.
Microsoft also announced the development of Bing Chat Enterprise. This work-focused version of Bing Chat employs generative AI to perform tasks such as comparing marketing strategies, creating a SWOT analysis for a project, or assisting in writing a sales pitch. It intends to help teams with industry insights, data analysis, creative inspiration, and more.
Data obtained through this service will be secure, with Microsoft committing to a “no eyes-on access” policy, which means your data isn’t stored, viewed, or used to train the AI further.
Bing Chat Enterprise is presently available in preview form and will be free with Microsoft 365 E3, E5, Business Standard, and Business Premium plans.
Furthermore, Microsoft is launching Visual Search via Bing Chat. This feature mirrors Google Image Search and enables searches using images instead of text. It’s already available for desktop and mobile platforms.
The future for Microsoft in generative AI appears promising, and the company seems clearly set on continuing to integrate AI-powered features into its applications. And they have great chances of success thanks to high-profile partnerships like their one with OpenAI.
However, big tech competitors like Google, Amazon, and Salesforce are all in the same race and working on similar strategies.
Do you prefer Microsoft generative AI tools over others? Share your thoughts!
THE AUTHOR
Ivanna Attie
I am an experienced author with expertise in digital communication, stock media, design, and creative tools. I have closely followed and reported on AI developments in this field since its early days. I have gained valuable industry insight through my work with leading digital media professionals since 2014.
AI Secrets is a platform for tech decision-makers to learn about AI technology. Our team includes experts such as Amos Struck (20+ yrs ICT, Stock Photo, AI), Ivanna Attie (expert in digital comms, design, stock media), and more who share their views on AI.
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