Microsoft recently launched its suite of AI companions, called Copilot. There are different types of Copilots for different job roles, applications and uses – all of which promise to be revolutionary to the workplace. So, what exactly is Microsoft Copilot AI, what does it do and how can it help you? Read on as we explain the basics of the latest AI innovation from one of the world’s biggest tech giants.
What Is Microsoft Copilot AI?
Microsoft Copilot is an AI companion developed by Microsoft to help users with their daily tasks within the Microsoft ecosystem. It’s essentially a digital assistant, always ready to lend a hand. From managing emails to creating documents, Copilot is designed to understand your workflow and provide tailored support. Its goal is to enhance productivity and efficiency by automating repetitive tasks and offering intelligent suggestions, allowing you to focus on more intensive tasks.
Types of Microsoft Copilots
Microsoft offers a range of Copilots tailored to different business needs and objectives. From Copilot for Sales to Copilot Studio, each Copilot is designed to address specific challenges and optimise productivity within different contexts for members of your team. There are three main branches of Copilot that all other Copilots live under:
- Microsoft Copilot
- Copilot for Microsoft 365
- Copilot Pro
What’s the Difference Between Microsoft Copilots?
Wondering which Microsoft Copilot AI is suitable for you? Here’s a basic overview of all three:
Microsoft Copilot – Suitable for Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) and Individuals
Microsoft Copilot is the more general of the Copilots. It’s essentially an upgraded version of Bing Chat and Bing Chat Enterprise, designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind for business owners like you. You’ll find it under the same recognisable icon across all your Microsoft platforms, streamlining your workflow. It uses generative AI to help you tackle tasks within the Windows operating system and compatible apps.
Copilot for Microsoft 365 – Suitable for Enterprises
Copilot for Microsoft 365 offers the same functionality as Microsoft Copilot and then some. It’s a far more intelligent AI tool designed to enhance productivity and streamline tasks within the Microsoft 365 suite of apps specifically. It’s touted by Business Insider as ‘Microsoft’s iPhone moment’ and offers more security compared to Microsoft Copilot. Unlike traditional AI models, Copilot for Microsoft 365 is deeply ingrained in your data, learning your work patterns and company context to deliver personalised assistance tailored to your needs. Rather than being entirely generative, it is trained almost exclusively on your company data and work patterns.
Copilot Pro – Suitable for Advanced Microsoft Users
Copilot Pro is the newest of the Copilots. It combines advanced features like Image Creator from Designer (formerly called Bing Image Creator) with OpenAI’s GPT-4 Turbo. Like the other versions, Copilot Pro is neatly integrated into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote. Copilot Pro also gives users access to Microsoft’s upcoming Copilot GPT Builder, enabling you to shape and refine AI-generated content according to your unique requirements.
What Are the Benefits of Microsoft Copilot AI?
No matter which Microsoft Copilot you use, Microsoft promises that you’ll experience core benefits, including:
- Increased productivity
- Faster task completion
- Notable time savings
- Higher quality of work
How Does Copilot Work?
How Copilot works depends on the Copilot you use. Microsoft Copilot works similarly to Open AI’s GPT, using knowledge from the internet as per its generative training. On the other hand, Copilot for Microsoft 365 uses Microsoft Graph data and a large language model (LLM) to provide contextually relevant answers grounded in your work data. By combining internal business data with internet insights, Copilot for Microsoft 365 can make more informed decisions and recommendations, enhancing its use and effectiveness for businesses.
Interested in Microsoft Copilot for Business?
Want to find out more about Microsoft Copilot, which one could be most useful to you and how much it would cost? Speak to us today to book a Microsoft Copilot readiness assessment and learn everything you need to know to implement this new generation of AI into your workflow.
