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

Executive summary:

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

In terms of Battery Life and System Performance, users have reported increased performance and longer battery life on Copilot+ devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon chips. However, limitations with gaming and certain apps have been highlighted as concerns, impacting the overall user experience.

Regarding Hardware, Copilot+ PCs like the HP EliteBook Ultra and Microsoft Surface Pro 11 offer powerful AI capabilities through dedicated AI processors and high-resolution touchscreens. Still, there are concerns about limited availability, potential compatibility issues with non-Microsoft software, and privacy risks associated with AI technology.

In the realm of Software, Copilot+ introduces enhanced AI features like Studio Effects for video calls and AI assistance in coding tasks. While these features aim to improve user experience and productivity, there are concerns about the accuracy and speed of certain AI functions, as well as potential privacy implications related to data collection and usage.

Security and Privacy are critical areas of focus, with reports highlighting the need for improved data protection measures and user control over AI features to address privacy concerns. The reliance on AI for tasks like threat detection and data analysis raises questions about the security implications of Copilot+.

Overall, Microsoft's Copilot+ platform shows promise in enhancing user productivity and efficiency through AI optimization. However, addressing concerns related to performance limitations, compatibility issues, privacy risks, and user control will be crucial for ensuring a seamless and secure user experience.

Details

I spent a day using Copilot+ on the HP EliteBook Ultra, and it drove me crazy

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Increased performance and battery life in Copilot+ Snapdragon laptops Copilot+ AI doesn't offer any new features
Onboard AI capabilities courtesy of the Qualcomm Hexagon NPU Most AI features require third-party applications not preinstalled
Copilot AI assistant for assistance Live captions software struggles with accents and language identification
Enhanced Studio camera effects for video calls Live captions software has a severe lag when translating slang
AI Cocreate program in Windows Paint for image generation Background blur studio effects are easily found in other video chat features
Good performance of Copilot+ PCs, like the HP EliteBook Ultra AI features are not a compelling reason to upgrade to a new laptop

Source: https://www.laptopmag.com/laptops/i-spent-a-day-using-copilot-on-the-hp-elitebook-ultra-and-it-drove-me-crazy

One of the best tablets for work travel I've tested is not made by Lenovo or Apple

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
High performance with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chip Difficulty in benchmark testing due to new hardware
Compatibility with third-party apps through Prism emulator Some third-party apps may still have performance issues
AI capabilities such as Studio Effects for enhancing video calls Some AI features like Cocreator AI image generator may have low quality output
Gorgeous PixelSense Flow touchscreen with high resolution and refresh rate AI features like Live Captions may be slow and inaccurate
Good speaker system with surprising audio quality Waiting for software updates to optimize performance with new chips

Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/one-of-the-best-tablets-for-work-travel-ive-tested-is-not-made-by-lenovo-or-apple/

4 Ways Microsoft Can Save Copilot From Becoming the Next Cortana

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Improved AI technology and capabilities Avoid repeating the mistakes of Clippy and Cortana by being less intrusive and more user-friendly
Dedicated button on Copilot+ PCs for easy access Ensure Copilot+ offers valuable assistance and functionality to users to avoid being deemed unnecessary or ineffective in the future

Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/ways-microsoft-can-save-copilot-from-becoming-the-next-cortana/

Microsoft confirms Windows 11’s Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon have some limitations

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Faster performance and longer battery life observed in tests Limitations with gaming on Copilot+ PCs
Windows on ARM performance on par with other chips Incompatibility with certain apps and games due to lack of specific drivers
Most peripherals and devices work with Windows 11 24H2 on ARM Inability to use Windows Fan and Scan features on Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs
Improved limitations compared to older versions of Windows Lack of support for apps that can customize Windows
ARM-ready games available through www.worksonwoa.com Inability to use several antivirus apps without a native version

Source: https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/07/07/microsoft-confirms-windows-11s-copilot-pcs-with-snapdragon-have-some-limitations/

I reviewed two impressive Copilot+ PCs, but one was clearly better

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Machines with fast Neural Processing Units (NPUs) Exclusive to Windows on Arm laptops running on the Qualcomm Snapdragon X chipset
Enhances on-device AI features Limited availability to specific laptop models
Supports Microsoft Studio effects software Compatibility with all software and applications may vary
Leverages Qualcomm chipset's fast NPU Potential for software bugs or compatibility issues
Enhances AI features for improved performance Limited user control over AI features
Fast productivity performance Privacy concerns related to AI usage
Premium-level build quality Potential for increased power consumption
Modern connectivity options Dependency on AI for certain functions
Reasonably affordable pricing Potential for AI bias or inaccuracies
Fast and efficient Arm chipset Limited customization options for AI features

Source: https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/hp-omnibook-x-vs-lenovo-yoga-slim-7x/

Microsoft Surface Pro OLED Copilot+

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.notebookcheck.net/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-OLED-Copilot.858799.0.html

Elon Musk’s X may bring Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini-like features to its AI chatbot

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Enhanced productivity through AI assistance in coding tasks Potential privacy concerns with data sharing and storage
Improved code quality and reduced errors with AI suggestions Dependence on AI may hinder developers' critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Faster development cycles with AI-powered code generation Compatibility issues with existing development tools and workflows
Personalized recommendations for code optimization and best practices Limited support for niche programming languages or frameworks
Seamless integration with popular IDEs for a smooth workflow Uncertainty around the long-term reliability and maintenance of AI models
Potential cost savings by automating repetitive coding tasks Challenges in adapting to individual coding styles and preferences

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/elon-musks-x-may-bring-microsoft-copilot-google-gemini-like-features-to-its-ai-chatbot/articleshow/111556187.cms

Windows 11 will soon get a lot more AI, as Microsoft outlines plans to help developers supercharge third-party apps

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 Cost implications for hardware upgrades to support Copilot+
Potential for increased productivity and creativity with AI assistance Learning curve for users unfamiliar with AI technology

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/windows-11-will-soon-get-a-lot-more-ai-as-microsoft-outlines-plans-to-help-developers-supercharge-third-party-apps/ar-BB1poWTs?item=flightsprg-tipsubsc-v1a?season//

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 every action taken on the computer
Enables generating and refining AI images in near real-time Recall feature storing a searchable database of every action performed on the computer
Bridges language barriers by translating audio from 40-plus languages into English Default setting of Recall being on, requiring manual opt-out
Recall feature allows users to easily find and remember past activities on the PC Potential legal implications and privacy risks for organizations handling sensitive data
Recall acts as a memory prosthesis, making it easier to search for specific information Security experts raising alarms about the implications of Recall for data protection regulations

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

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 with Copilot+PC – AI on the go (computer review)

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Powerful enough for generative AI Emerging AI-aware apps may have limited functionality
Enhances productivity by offering suggestions and automating tasks Legal and ethical concerns regarding AI decision-making
Supports creating text content, drawings, artwork, and designs User acceptance and adaptation to AI assistance
Utilizes machine learning for data analysis and pattern recognition Privacy and data security risks with AI technology

Source: https://cybershack.com.au/reviews/microsoft-surface-pro-11-with-copilotpc-ai-on-the-go-computer-review/