Microsoft Copilot+ Daily news digest, 07-06-2024

Executive summary:

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

Battery Life: Microsoft Copilot+ PCs are praised for offering excellent battery life, enhancing user experience by providing extended usage without frequent recharging. However, concerns have been raised about potential battery drain due to the AI features running in the background.

System Performance: The Copilot+ platform boasts advanced hardware capabilities, such as Snapdragon X Elite processors, enabling faster processing and multitasking. Users can benefit from enhanced AI capabilities for improved performance. However, some users have reported issues with gaming performance and certain AI features feeling gimmicky or half-baked.

Hardware: Copilot+ PCs come equipped with NPUs capable of processing over 40 TOPS, enabling advanced AI features like automatic captions and AI-generated images. The integration of on-device AI processing enhances the hardware capabilities of these PCs. However, concerns may arise regarding the cost of Copilot+ PCs compared to regular Windows 11 PCs.

Software: The Recall feature on Copilot+ acts as a memory for the laptop, allowing users to easily find information and remember past activities. The platform offers additional AI tools without rendering Windows 11 obsolete, providing users with a seamless experience. However, concerns have been raised about the complexity of activating Recall and potential compatibility issues with existing software when transitioning to a Copilot+ PC.

Security: While Copilot+ offers enhanced security features with AI-driven threat detection, there are concerns about privacy and data security. The Recall feature, which takes constant snapshots of user activity, raises privacy issues, and there are doubts about GDPR compliance and data security.

Privacy: Privacy concerns are prevalent with Copilot+ due to features like Recall taking frequent snapshots of user activity and storing data locally on the PC. Users have expressed worries about the level of control they have over their data and the potential for over-reliance on AI leading to reduced human decision-making.

In conclusion, while Microsoft Copilot+ presents innovative AI-powered features that enhance productivity and efficiency, there are valid concerns regarding privacy, security, and user control over data. As the platform continues to evolve, addressing these concerns will be crucial to ensure user trust and adoption.

Details

How to turn on the interesting but contentious Recall program on Microsoft Copilot+ PCs

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
AI-powered Microsoft Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X Elite processors Recall feature takes frequent snapshots of user activity, raising privacy concerns
Recall feature acts as a memory for the laptop, allowing users to find information easily Recall feature is currently only accessible through the Windows Insider Program
User data for Recall is stored locally on the PC Activation process for Recall is complex and involves multiple steps
Users can turn off Recall feature and omit certain applications or websites from snapshots Full launch of Recall feature for all Copilot+ PCs is still pending
Copilot+ PCs offer excellent performance metrics and battery life Concerns about the level of control users have over the Recall feature and their data

Source: https://www.laptopmag.com/software/how-to-turn-on-the-interesting-but-contentious-recall-program-on-microsoft-copilot-pcs

Microsoft’s climbdown over its creepy Recall feature shows its AI strategy is far from intelligent

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Designed for AI, fastest and most intelligent Windows PCs ever built Privacy concerns with constant screenshots of users' every action
Enables generating and refining AI images in near real-time directly on the computer Recall feature takes constant screenshots and scans each for a searchable database
Bridges language barriers by translating audio from 40-plus languages into English Recall feature stores every action performed on the computer on the machine's disk
Recall feature allows users to easily find and remember what they have seen on their PC Recall was initially on by default, raising security and privacy issues
Recall feature acts as a memory prosthesis, making it easier to search for past activities Concerns raised by security experts and legal professionals regarding GDPR compliance and data security

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/06/microsoft-recall-ai-privacy-climbdown-artificial-intelligence

Don't Worry: Copilot+ PCs Don't Make Your Windows 11 System Obsolete

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Copilot+ allows AI tools to run locally on the PC, enhancing performance and privacy. Concerns may arise regarding the cost of Copilot+ PCs compared to regular Windows 11 PCs.
Copilot+ PCs have NPUs capable of processing over 40 TOPS, enabling advanced AI features like automatic captions and AI-generated images. Compatibility issues may arise with existing software or hardware when transitioning to a Copilot+ PC.
Copilot+ builds upon Windows 11, providing additional AI tools without rendering Windows 11 obsolete. Users may face a learning curve in utilizing the full potential of AI tools available on Copilot+ PCs.
Users can benefit from enhanced AI capabilities, both from Microsoft and third-party apps, leveraging the NPU for faster and more powerful AI processing. Limited availability of Copilot+ PCs in the market may restrict access to these advanced AI features for some users.

Source: https://www.makeuseof.com/worry-copilot-pc-old-windows-11-system-obsolete/

How to Get the New Windows Copilot on Any Device

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Can be used on any device or web browser Transition from desktop sidebar to web app may confuse users
New interface mirrors Fluent UI for a polished look Placeholder text issue in Firefox may affect user experience
Offers light and dark mode with theme synchronization Works best in Chromium-based browsers, limiting compatibility
Ability to install as a desktop shortcut for easy access Requires logging in with a Microsoft account for full features

Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/install-new-windows-copilot-any-device/

The Copilot key isn't working on some Copilot+ PCs. Here's how I fixed it

Key Positive Aspects of Copilot+ Key Concerns Related to Copilot+
Enhanced productivity and efficiency through AI assistance Privacy and data security concerns with AI technology
Seamless integration with existing Microsoft software and services Potential overreliance on AI leading to reduced critical thinking skills
Improved user experience with personalized recommendations and suggestions Compatibility issues with non-Microsoft software and platforms
Advanced hardware capabilities for faster processing and multitasking Cost implications for purchasing and maintaining Copilot+ hardware

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/the-copilot-key-isn-t-working-on-some-copilot-pcs-here-s-how-i-fixed-it/ar-BB1oAsjd?item=flightsprg-tipsubsc-v1a?loadin=defaultbrowser/

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ review - Thanks to Snapdragon X Elite finally a serious MacBook Air ...

Key Positive Aspects of Copilot+ Key Concerns Related to Copilot+
Enhanced productivity through AI assistance in coding tasks Potential privacy and security risks with AI accessing code and data
Improved code quality and efficiency with AI suggestions Dependence on AI may hinder developers' problem-solving skills
Integration with popular IDEs for seamless workflow Concerns about AI bias in code suggestions and decision-making
Ability to learn from user's coding style and preferences Uncertainty about the long-term impact on the job market for developers
Potential for reducing repetitive coding tasks and errors Challenges in ensuring compatibility with various programming languages and frameworks

Source: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Microsoft-Surface-Laptop-7-13-8-Copilot-review-Thanks-to-Snapdragon-X-Elite-finally-a-serious-MacBook-Air-competitor.857051.0.html

5 Copilot AI features that are on by default in Microsoft products

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 decision-making
Improved user experience with personalized recommendations Compatibility issues with non-Microsoft software and hardware
Enhanced security features with AI-driven threat detection Dependence on internet connectivity for full functionality

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/5-copilot-ai-features-that-are-on-by-default-in-microsoft-products/ar-BB1o1KT7?item=flightsprg-tipsubsc-v1a?utm_source

Microsoft's new 'Team Copilot': 7 things this new AI co-worker can do

Key Positive Aspects of Copilot+ Key Concerns Related to Copilot+
Enhanced performance and efficiency through AI optimization Privacy and security risks with AI technology
Seamless integration with existing Microsoft ecosystem Potential job displacement due to automation
Improved user experience with personalized recommendations Dependence on AI may lead to reduced human decision-making skills
Advanced data analytics capabilities for better insights Potential biases in AI algorithms affecting decision-making
Increased productivity and collaboration features High initial cost of implementation and training

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/microsoft-copilot-added-to-teams-calls-7-things-your-ai-co-worker-can-do/ar-BB1mN3Q5?ocid=BingNewsVerp

Should You Be Concerned About Copilot in OneDrive?

Key Positive Aspects of Copilot+ Key Concerns Related to Copilot+
Enhanced performance and efficiency through AI-driven optimizations Privacy concerns regarding data collection and usage
Seamless integration with existing Microsoft ecosystem for enhanced productivity Potential for over-reliance on AI leading to reduced human decision-making
Improved user experience with personalized recommendations and assistance Compatibility issues with non-Microsoft software and hardware
Advanced security features for data protection Cost implications for hardware upgrades to support Copilot+
Potential for increased creativity and innovation through AI-powered tools Learning curve for users unfamiliar with AI technology

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/should-you-be-concerned-about-copilot-in-onedrive/ar-BB1otxIT?item=flightsprg-tipsubsc-v1a?loadin

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 review: Similar look, new chip

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Fast Qualcomm performance AI features feel gimmicky
Great battery life Poor gaming performance
Wi-Fi 7 support Minimal ports
On-device AI processing Some AI features still feel half-baked

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/laptops/microsoft-surface-laptop-7-review