Microsoft Copilot+ Daily news digest, 07-02-2024

Executive summary:

Battery Life:

The Snapdragon X Elite processor in Copilot+ PCs is highlighted for its battery life optimization, ensuring extended usage without frequent recharging. However, concerns arise regarding the performance of Windows on Arm for PC gaming, indicating potential challenges in balancing power efficiency with gaming demands.

System Performance:

While Copilot+ offers AI features exclusive to its platform, the Snapdragon X Elite processor faces criticism for its gaming performance compared to traditional Intel processors. The stability issues with Arm CPUs and uncertainties surrounding upcoming mobile chips from competitors raise concerns about the overall system performance.

Hardware:

The Surface Laptop 7 with Copilot+ showcases standout features like impressive battery life and sleek designs. However, limited availability of models with 64GB RAM to Microsoft Store may deter potential buyers looking for higher memory configurations.

Software:

Integration of Copilot+ with popular Microsoft applications like Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Excel, SharePoint, and Loop enhances user experience by enabling AI-generated image creation, document editing, and data analysis. Yet, concerns about the accuracy of AI-generated content and potential over-reliance on AI for tasks remain prevalent.

Security:

The financial services industry faces unique security challenges with the adoption of Copilot+, necessitating careful consideration and expertise in implementing AI solutions to navigate data privacy and regulatory concerns effectively. Additionally, concerns about data security and access control arise in Copilot-based solutions developed for clients by IBM Consulting.

Privacy:

Privacy concerns emerge regarding AI-generated content creation in Word and PowerPoint, emphasizing the need for transparency and safeguards in handling sensitive information. The potential over-reliance on AI for content creation raises questions about user privacy and data protection in the context of Copilot+ usage.

User Experience:

Users express mixed sentiments about Copilot's evolution in Windows 11, with positive aspects like AI assistance and development flexibility balanced against concerns about reduced functionality and uncertainty regarding future updates. The transition to a web-based wrapper and removal of Windows-specific controls impact user experience and integration within the operating system.

Details

The future of financial services: AI and Microsoft Copilot

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Enhances employee productivity with AI Unique security and regulatory challenges in the financial services industry
Time savings, improved focus, and enhanced creativity reported by users Unmanaged AI use can present inherent risks and challenges without proper guardrails, processes, and policies
Top teams using Copilot for Microsoft 365 saved significant time Fast-moving technology can pose challenges for FSI companies dependent on stable, secure solutions
Provides tools for organizations to boost employee productivity securely Need for careful consideration on how AI is implemented in FSI organizations
Can drive talent retention and enhance human connections Resistance to change and confidence in the security of AI deployment required
Offers unprecedented potential for analytics and decision-making Security concerns must be navigated with expertise and best practices
Enables automation of manual tasks and generation of reports quickly Security implications must be considered when adopting AI solutions
Supports responsible AI framework and governance practices Balancing innovation with robust governance is crucial for FSI organizations

Source: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/industry/microsoft-in-business/era-of-ai/2024/07/02/the-future-of-financial-services-ai-and-microsoft-copilot/

Want the BEST Surface Laptop 7? Microsoft saved the 64GB model for its own store.

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Battery life is a standout feature High price for models with 64GB of RAM
Sleek designs and premium finishes Limited availability of 64GB RAM models to Microsoft Store
Immersive displays with OLED and HDR Surface Pro 11 not available with 64GB RAM
Copilot Key for easy access to AI tool Limited availability of 64GB RAM models to Microsoft Store
Powered by Snapdragon X Series Processors Limited availability of 64GB RAM models to Microsoft Store

Source: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/want-best-surface-laptop-7-130723115.html

IBM Consulting Helps Put Microsoft Copilot in Hands of Clients to Showcase Potential of Generative AI

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Enables clients to develop solutions transforming roles and functions within their business Concerns about the complexity of leveraging Copilot for clients with limited AI expertise
Provides real-time access to Microsoft technology certified experts Potential challenges in integrating Copilot into existing systems and workflows
Offers access to resources, expertise, and mentorship from IBM Consulting, Bluetab, and Neudesic Uncertainties around the scalability and long-term maintenance of Copilot-based solutions
Winning solutions demonstrate tangible benefits such as saving time and enhancing customer experiences Data privacy and security concerns related to the use of AI in sensitive business processes

Source: https://newsroom.ibm.com/Blog-IBM-Consulting-Helps-Put-Microsoft-Copilot-in-Hands-of-Clients-to-Showcase-Potential-of-Generative-AI

Word & Powerpoint Get AI Image Generation, Thanks to Copilot

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
AI-generated image creation in Word and PowerPoint Lack of availability of ChatGPT app for Windows devices
Integration with Teams, Excel, SharePoint, and Loop Privacy concerns related to AI-generated content creation
Ability to add visuals to documents with prompts Potential over-reliance on AI for content creation
Enhanced tools for referencing PDFs and emails in Word Accuracy and quality of AI-generated summaries and content
Customization of draft messages in Teams Dependency on AI for tasks traditionally done by users
Improved functionality in Excel for analyzing unformatted data Potential issues with AI understanding complex queries or errors
Rewriting text in SharePoint and AI-assisted document creation in Loop Concerns about data security and access control with AI-generated content

Source: https://tech.co/news/ai-images-copilot-word-powerpoint

Microsoft is already killing everything I love about Copilot

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
AI-based chatbot for tech support Transition to a PWA limits functionality
Ability to leverage OpenAI's large language models Loss of system-level integration
Dedicated Copilot key for quick access Removal of WIN + C keyboard shortcut
Can help with settings adjustments Limited features compared to previous version
Traditional app experience with windowed form Underwhelming compared to competitors
Allows for quick updates and agile development Decreased uniqueness compared to other AI chatbots

Source: https://www.xda-developers.com/microsoft-killing-everything-i-love-about-copilot/

Microsoft is evolving Copilot in Windows 11 by downgrading it

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
AI companion to assist users with issues or instructions Copilot felt slow on Windows due to server communication for every request
New web-based wrapper for more development flexibility Windows-specific controls being removed, leading to manual instructions
Easy removal of Copilot from Windows 11 Uncertainty about future updates reintroducing controls or improving functionality

Source: https://www.ghacks.net/2024/07/02/microsoft-is-evolving-copilot-in-windows-11-by-downgrading-it/

Frustrations are being aired about Windows 11's new Copilot app – but here's why we're not worried (just yet)

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Potential for more AI powers on-device with widespread NPUs Current version feels like a basic web wrapper
Possibility of a more well-rounded and seamless app in the future Disjointed and not well integrated into Windows 11 OS
Future reintroduction of powers related to Windows settings Limited abilities and features reported to be ditched
Expected improvement and building up of the new Copilot app Uncertainty about the direction Microsoft may take with Copilot+
Integration of more AI workloads locally with powerful NPUs Concerns about the simplicity and transparency of the AI assistant

Source: https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/frustrations-are-being-aired-about-windows-11s-new-copilot-app-but-heres-why-were-not-worried-just-yet

Copilot works on Windows 10 multi-monitor setups

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Future of computing with advanced AI technology Initial bugs causing desktop issues for Windows 10 users with multi-monitor setups
Integration with Windows and Office for seamless user experience Delay in getting Copilot to work on Windows 10 PCs with more than one monitor
Availability on both Microsoft Surface PCs and other manufacturers' laptops Microsoft's aggressive push for Windows 11 adoption affecting Copilot rollout on Windows 10
Continuous updates and bug fixes to improve performance Potential for future issues and bugs with Copilot integration

Source: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2384005/copilot-finally-works-on-windows-10-multi-monitor-setups.html

Microsoft finally lets Windows 10 users with multi-monitor configuration use Copilot after 7-month compatibility hold

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Microsoft has shipped Copilot AI to Windows 10, which has a large user base of 1 billion monthly active users. Some users experienced issues with Copilot on Windows 10, such as desktop icons moving sporadically and alignment problems.
Microsoft issued a fix for the Copilot issues on Windows 10 through an optional preview update released on June 25, 2024. The rollout of the advanced Copilot experience in waves may cause delays for some users in accessing new capabilities.
Users can now leverage Copilot's capabilities like an app on Windows 10, allowing for resizing, moving, and snapping the window. Microsoft's push to get Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 may impact the focus on improving Copilot for Windows 10 users.

Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-10/microsoft-finally-fixes-multi-monitor-copilot

Snapdragon X Elite powered Copilot+ PCs are worse for PC gaming than initially thought

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Arm-based Snapdragon X Elite processor AI features exclusive to Copilot+ PCs
Battery life optimization Windows on Arm gaming still in early 'beta' days
Windows on Arm compatibility for PC gaming Incompatibility and performance issues with various titles
Integrated Qualcomm Adreno X1 GPU Performance comparison with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H laptop
Demoed games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Control run fine Gaming performance on Snapdragon X Elite is half of Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Stability issues with Arm CPU
Uncertainty with upcoming mobile chips from Intel and AMD

Source: https://www.tweaktown.com/news/99075/snapdragon-elite-powered-copilot-pcs-are-worse-for-pc-gaming-than-initially-thought/index.html