Microsoft Copilot+ Daily news digest, 06-30-2024

Executive summary:

The news surrounding Microsoft Copilot+ reveals a mix of positive aspects and concerns across various categories.

In terms of Battery Life, the use of AI features in Copilot+ PCs may impact power consumption, especially with AI processing tasks. The fast charging capability in some models could help mitigate potential battery drain concerns.

Regarding System Performance, Copilot+ offers enhanced performance and efficiency through AI optimization, leading to improved user experience and productivity. However, there are concerns about potential compatibility issues with non-Microsoft software and hardware, as well as the reliance on internet connectivity for optimal functionality.

In the realm of Hardware, Copilot+ PCs come equipped with specialized NPUs and processors like the Snapdragon X Elite, enhancing AI processing capabilities. However, there are uncertainties about the performance and efficiency of these components, as well as concerns about the necessity and usability of dedicated Copilot keys.

In terms of Software, Copilot+ introduces AI-powered features like Automatic Super Resolution for gaming and generative AI assistants in Microsoft 365 products. While these features aim to enhance user experience and productivity, there are concerns about the accuracy and quality of content generated by AI, as well as potential compatibility issues with third-party software.

Security and Privacy are significant concerns with Copilot+, particularly regarding data collection, usage, and potential biases in AI algorithms. Users are wary of the security implications of AI-driven features like the Recall function and the need for robust privacy safeguards.

Overall, while Microsoft Copilot+ offers innovative AI-driven features that can potentially revolutionize user experiences, there are valid concerns that need to be addressed to ensure a seamless and secure integration of AI technology into everyday computing tasks.

Details

Microsoft's Copilot+ PC exclusive features are a bad joke, even for AI fans

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Exclusive AI features built into the OS for Copilot+ PCs Security and privacy concerns surrounding the Recall feature
Qualcomm laptops' 45 TOPS NPUs for future AI workloads Copilot+ features offer nothing new or compelling compared to existing tools
Cocreator feature in Windows Paint utilizing Snapdragon's NPU for local processing Cocreator feature produces poor quality and sometimes irrelevant outputs
Windows Studio Effects available for Windows 11 users with NPUs Windows Studio Effects not truly exclusive as it is available for any Windows 11 user with an NPU
Image Creator feature in Paint using Microsoft cloud service for image creation Limited number of free images provided by Microsoft for Image Creator
Copilot feature for drawing images when Image Creator limit is reached Availability of other free text-to-image generators online
Ability to run Stable Diffusion locally for text-to-image generation Cocreator feature requiring an Internet connection to work

Source: https://www.tomshardware.com/software/windows/microsofts-copilot-pc-exclusive-features-are-a-bad-joke-even-for-ai-fans

Business Tech Roundup: A Free Trial For Microsoft Copilot

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Free trial of Copilot Pro available for Microsoft Office users, allowing exploration of AI integration into Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote Copilot is currently in its infancy and may not perform optimally according to some users
Priority access to GPT-4 Turbo and 100 daily boosts for Microsoft Designer included in the trial Users must set up a billing agreement to start the trial, which may lead to charges if not canceled before the trial ends

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/quickerbettertech/2024/06/30/business-tech-roundup-a-free-trial-for-microsoft-copilot/

Microsoft Surface Pro OLED Copilot+ review - A high-end 2-in-1 now with the Snapdragon X Elite

Key Positive Aspects of Copilot+ Key Concerns Related to Copilot+
Enhanced performance and efficiency through AI optimization Privacy concerns regarding data collection and usage
Seamless integration with existing Microsoft ecosystem Potential for over-reliance on AI leading to reduced human control
Improved user experience with personalized recommendations Compatibility issues with non-Microsoft software and hardware
Enhanced security features with AI-driven threat detection Potential for bias in AI algorithms affecting decision-making
Increased productivity with AI-powered assistance and automation Dependence on internet connectivity for optimal functionality

Source: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-OLED-Copilot-review-A-high-end-2-in-1-now-with-the-Snapdragon-X-Elite.853756.0.html

Why Copilot+ PCs Are a Disaster for Average Users (For Now)

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Special chips for next-gen AI features Limited software support for ARM architecture
AI chip provides Automatic Super Resolution (ASR) for gaming Emulation required for non-native software may cause performance issues
NPUs allow AI processing to be done on-device Some VPN services do not work on Copilot+ PCs
Dedicated Copilot key for easy access to AI features Copilot key cannot be remapped, potentially leading to accidental activations
Potential for full support for ARM gaming in the future High starting price range from $999 to $2,500
Faster multi-threaded performance compared to some competitors Uncertainty around the timeline for addressing current limitations

Source: https://www.makeuseof.com/why-copilot-pc-disaster-average-users/

Microsoft debuts $1K Copilot+ PCs with AI features: 'Compelling reason to upgrade'

Key Positive Aspects of Copilot+ Key Concerns Related to Copilot+
Enhanced performance and efficiency through AI optimization Privacy concerns regarding data collection and usage
Seamless integration with existing Microsoft ecosystem Potential for overreliance on AI leading to reduced human control
Improved user experience with personalized recommendations Compatibility issues with third-party software and hardware
Advanced security features for data protection Cost implications for upgrading hardware to support Copilot+
Potential for increased productivity and collaboration Learning curve for users unfamiliar with AI technology

Source: http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/microsoft-debuts-1k-copilot-pcs-with-ai-features-compelling-reason-to-upgrade/ar-BB1mJI66?ocid=BingNewsSearch&apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1

New Copilot for Microsoft 365 features will be rolled out in July

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Integration of Copilot for Microsoft 365 generative AI assistant service in various software products Concerns about privacy and data security with the use of AI in generating content
New features like Microsoft Designer AI art creator in Word and PowerPoint apps Potential issues with the accuracy and quality of content generated by Copilot+
Expansion of Copilot for Microsoft 365 to stand-alone subscriber plans User dependency on Copilot+ leading to reduced creativity and critical thinking skills
Ability for SharePoint users to rewrite texts quickly and efficiently using Copilot Challenges in distinguishing between human-generated and AI-generated content
Cost-effective pricing at $30 a month as an add-on service Potential resistance or learning curve for users adapting to AI assistance in their workflow

Source: https://www.neowin.net/news/new-copilot-for-microsoft-365-features-will-be-rolled-out-in-july/

Here are all the new features added to Copilot for Microsoft 365 in June 2024

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Ability to rewrite and enhance text in SharePoint Concerns about privacy and data security with AI-powered solutions
Generating custom images in Word and PowerPoint Potential overreliance on AI for content creation leading to reduced creativity
Accessing more information across Microsoft 365 in Word and PowerPoint Uncertainty about the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated insights
Utilizing Copilot outside strict tabular structures in Excel Training and support needed for users to effectively interact with AI model
Availability in standalone plans like Visio Plan 1 and 2 Potential challenges in integrating Copilot into existing workflows and processes

Source: https://www.xda-developers.com/new-features-copilot-for-microsoft-365-june-2024/

Photo review of 'Microsoft Surface Laptop 7' equipped with AI processing specialized NPU and Snapdragon X Elite

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Equipped with Qualcomm Hexagon NPU for AI processing Concerns about the necessity and usability of the Copilot key for direct access to Copilot functions
Fast charging capability with a power adapter rated at 65W or more Potential issues with the touchpad having a hard feel overall and specific areas for right-click functionality
Dimensions of 329mm x 239mm x 18.29mm and weight of 1,652g for the 15-inch model Uncertainty about the performance and efficiency of the Snapdragon X series processor in the Copilot+ PC
Multiple ports available including microSD card slot, USB-A 3.1 port, and two USB-C (USB 4) ports Lack of information on the battery life and power efficiency of Copilot+ PC
Surface Connect port for power supply and compatibility with Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock Limited details on the overall user experience and software optimization for Copilot+ PC

Source: https://gigazine.net/gsc_news/en/20240630-microsoft-surface-laptop-7-review/

Are the new AI-powered Windows Copilot+ laptops worth it?

Key Positive Aspects of Copilot+ Key Concerns Related to Copilot+
Enhanced productivity through AI assistance in coding tasks Privacy concerns related to data collection and storage
Improved code quality and efficiency with real-time suggestions Dependence on AI may hinder developers' problem-solving skills
Integration with popular IDEs for seamless workflow Potential bias in AI suggestions leading to limited creativity
Customizable settings to adapt to individual coding styles Reliability and accuracy of AI suggestions may vary
Ability to learn from user feedback for continuous improvement Compatibility issues with certain programming languages or frameworks

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/shopping/are-the-new-ai-powered-windows-copilot-laptops-worth-it/ar-BB1oWxZ8?item=flights%3Cimg%20src&item=flights%3Cimg%20src&item=flights%3Cimg%20src

Microsoft Can't Make Copilot Succeed Without Convincing Windows 10 Users

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Microsoft's push to make Copilot the standard generative AI to assist users Limited availability of the dedicated Copilot app only on Windows 11 and compatible devices
Potential to increase adoption and encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11 Requirement for Copilot+ PCs to have AI processing capabilities, excluding some recent computers
Easy accessibility through a simple keyboard shortcut for convenience Privacy and security concerns if Copilot+ features are added to all recent Windows PCs
Integration of generative AI features into the operating system and apps Potential issues with adoption rates if Copilot is not made available on Windows 10
Possibility of previewing Copilot's capabilities on Windows 10, even with limited features Need for Microsoft to ensure Copilot on Windows 10 looks and acts the same as on Windows 11
Introduction of Copilot to users who may not actively seek an AI chatbot Concerns about opt-in/opt-out options for using Copilot on Windows 10

Source: https://www.makeuseof.com/microsoft-copilot-windows-10-support/