Microsoft Copilot+ Daily news digest, 07-12-2024

Executive summary:

Battery Life

The Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft Surface are highlighted for offering all-day battery life, ensuring users can work and play without frequent recharging. This feature enhances the portability and convenience of the devices, especially for users on the go.

System Performance

Microsoft's Copilot AI demonstrates impressive abilities in various tasks, such as deciphering handwritten notes, generating to-do lists, and summarizing information accurately. These functionalities showcase the platform's potential to enhance user productivity and streamline workflows. However, concerns exist regarding the accuracy and reliability of the AI assistant, especially when interpreting complex or nuanced content.

Hardware

The Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft Surface are described as the fastest and most intelligent Windows PCs ever, featuring breakthrough AI experiences and the most powerful Neural Processing Units (NPUs) in the PC category. While these devices promise enhanced performance and AI capabilities for everyday tasks, there are concerns about their availability being limited to specific regions like India and the potential pricing implications for different configurations.

Software

Microsoft's Copilot+ platform offers new AI experiences to boost productivity and creativity, providing users with personalized recommendations and assistance in various tasks. The integration of AI tools in personal devices aims to enhance user experiences and streamline workflows. However, compatibility issues with non-Microsoft software and hardware may pose challenges for users looking to leverage Copilot+ across different platforms.

Security

There are mixed sentiments regarding the security aspects of Copilot+. While Microsoft emphasizes privacy and data usage transparency, concerns linger about potential privacy ramifications, data security measures, and the risks associated with AI models training on user data. The platform's AI-driven threat detection and enhanced security features aim to provide users with a secure computing environment, but questions remain about the specific impact on data privacy and security.

Privacy

Privacy concerns are prevalent in discussions surrounding Copilot+. While users appreciate the options for controlling data sharing and retention, there are worries about potential privacy ramifications, data usage transparency, and the risks of personal data being accessed or misused by AI models. The lack of universal opt-out mechanisms across all AI tools raises questions about data privacy and user consent in the context of AI-powered platforms like Copilot+.

Details

Microsoft’s Copilot AI now understands your terrible handwriting

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Enables reading and analyzing handwritten notes in OneNote Ability to handle worse handwriting effectively is uncertain
Converts handwritten notes into text for easy editing and sharing Availability limited to Microsoft 365 Insider running specific OneNote build and subscription requirement
Summarizes handwritten notes accurately Potential limitations in handling extremely poor handwriting
Generates to-do lists based on handwritten notes Limited information on data privacy and security measures
Impressive ability to decipher and format handwritten notes Unclear impact on user productivity and workflow efficiency

Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/12/24197009/microsoft-onenote-copilot-inked-notes-handwriting-recognition

Biggest risks of using gen AI like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Apple Intelligence in your private life

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Accessibility and proliferation of AI tools for consumers Potential privacy ramifications and data usage
Different privacy policies and controls for user data Lack of universal opt-out across all tools
Integration of AI tools in personal devices for convenience Lack of transparency in data usage and retention
Dedicated Copilot button for quick access to chatbot Risks associated with AI models training on user data
Options for users to control data sharing and retention Lack of clarity on how data is used and potential misuse
Ability to delete data and limit data usage Concerns about sensitive data being accessed by AI models
Companies emphasizing privacy and data usage transparency Risks of personal data being improperly published online

Source: https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/national-international/biggest-risks-of-using-gen-ai-like-chatgpt-google-gemini-microsoft-copilot-apple-intelligence-in-your-private-life/3359869/

Now Microsoft Copilot can understand your handwriting

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Ability to read and analyze handwritten notes Limited availability only for Microsoft 365 subscribers and Copilot Pro users
Can summarize notes, generate to-do lists, and ask questions Concerns about privacy and data security when analyzing handwritten notes
Converts handwritten notes into editable text for easier sharing Potential issues with accuracy and reliability of the AI assistant when interpreting handwritten notes

Source: https://www.computerworld.com/article/2516731/now-microsoft-copilot-can-understand-your-handwriting.html

Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft Surface now available in India

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Fastest and most intelligent Windows PCs ever Availability limited to specific regions (e.g., India)
All-day battery life and brand-new AI experiences Concerns about the pricing for different configurations
Power-packed devices for everyday work and play Limited information on the durability and longevity of the devices
Quantum leap in computing with breakthrough AI experiences Potential privacy concerns related to AI features like Live Captions and enhanced audio/video effects
Most powerful Neural Processing Units (NPUs) in the PC category Limited information on the compatibility of existing software and applications with Copilot+ PCs
New AI experiences to boost productivity and unleash creativity Potential learning curve for users to fully utilize the AI capabilities
Exclusive pre-order promotions for consumers Uncertainty about long-term support and updates for Copilot+ PCs

Source: https://cxotoday.com/press-release/copilot-pcs-from-microsoft-surface-now-available-in-india/

Node4 backs up Microsoft Copilot commitment with over 1,000 licenses and large-scale rollout

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Enhances productivity and efficiency Organizations need a certain level of control and preparation to make the most of Copilot
Streamlines workflows and allows focus on higher-value tasks Must be specific on intended goals and understand use cases for optimal adoption
Provides real-world advantage in implementing AI Requires understanding of how to justify and maximize the use of Copilot
Can lead to up to 80% increase in departmental efficiency Some users may find it overwhelming due to its wide range of capabilities
Helps in creating improved and automated end-to-end ERP workflow management solutions Initial investment and training may be required for full utilization

Source: https://www.channelweb.co.uk/news/4334974/node4-backs-microsoft-copilot-commitment-licenses-scale-rollout

New Microsoft Partner Program Investments Include Millions For Security, Azure, Copilot

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Microsoft investing $150 million in pre-sales and post-sales for Azure Innovate Concerns about the potential misuse of AI technology in Copilot+
Increase in Copilot partner investment by tenfold Lack of clarity on the specific impact of Copilot+ on data privacy and security
Tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot and Azure OpenAI Service to help organizations harness AI power Potential challenges in integrating Copilot+ with existing systems and workflows
Plans to leverage AI to automate processes, provide personalization, and offer predictive insights Uncertainty around the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of Copilot+ in AI projects
Microsoft adding new product licenses for Copilot, Defender for Endpoint, GitHub, etc. Need for continuous monitoring and updates to ensure Copilot+ remains effective and secure
Training programs like AI Partner Training Days to educate partners on Copilot and Azure Concerns about the learning curve and training required to effectively utilize Copilot+

Source: https://www.crn.com/news/ai/2024/new-microsoft-partner-program-investments-include-millions-for-security-azure-copilot

Microsoft's Copilot understands your ‘bad’ handwriting in OneNote: How it works

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 completion Compatibility issues with existing development tools and workflows
Increased accessibility for developers with varying skill levels Uncertainty around the long-term reliability and support for the platform

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/microsofts-copilot-understands-your-bad-handwriting-in-onenote-how-it-works/articleshow/111693911.cms

How to force-enable Microsoft Copilot on Windows 11

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 Potential for job displacement due to automation
Increased productivity with AI-powered assistance Dependence on internet connectivity for optimal functionality

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/how-to-force-enable-microsoft-copilot-on-windows-11/ar-BB1hpB4r?item=flightsprg-tipsubsc-v1a?season89c26d1ce19649ab8c6b1ea6904de419Thu

Microsoft Copilot hacks to create notes in a jiffy

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Efficiently summarizes large documents Requires the use of Microsoft Edge browser
Generates results quickly Concerns about privacy and data security
Extracts specific information accurately Potential limitations in handling complex or nuanced content
Useful for condensing information from various sources Reliance on AI may lead to errors in interpretation

Source: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/how-to-use-microsoft-copilot-to-create-notes-summaries/story

Microsoft sets aside more than US$240M in Copilot, security, Azure channel initiatives

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Microsoft is increasing its investment in Copilot, marking partners as essential to the Copilot customer journey. Concerns may arise regarding the effectiveness of the pre- and post-sale engagements in guiding partner execution.
Microsoft has developed a comprehensive set of pre- and post-sale engagements to guide partner execution in alignment with go-to-market motions. Partners may face challenges in aligning their strategies with Microsoft's go-to-market motions.
Microsoft has experienced tremendous growth with more than 12,000 projects delivered through Azure Migrate, Modernise, and Innovate. Partners may need to adapt quickly to keep up with the pace of growth and changes in the Copilot ecosystem.
Microsoft is adding new scenarios and increasing investments for Azure Migrate and Modernise by 50% in FY25. Partners may need to invest additional resources to align with the new scenarios and increased investments.
Azure Essentials provides guidance, resources, and tooling to help customers deploy and optimize their cloud and AI investments. Partners may require additional training and resources to fully leverage Azure Essentials for customer solutions.
Partners can access content and enablement through Azure Essentials to deliver differentiated solutions on core scenarios across Microsoft Azure solution plays. Partners may face competition in delivering differentiated solutions due to the accessibility of Azure Essentials to all partners.
Microsoft plans to expand customer purchasing flexibility of Azure OpenAI with a Provisioned Throughput Unit (PTU) offering. Partners may need to educate themselves and their customers on the benefits and usage of the new PTU offering.
Microsoft is putting US$90 million in incremental investments in security for FY25. Partners may need to enhance their security capabilities to meet the increasing security standards set by Microsoft.
Microsoft is increasing CSP incentives across strategic solutions, including Microsoft 365 E3/E5 and business premium. Partners may need to realign their focus and offerings to maximize incentives across strategic solutions.
Microsoft has introduced benefit packages like Partner Launch, Partner Success Core, and Partner Success Expanded to meet partners' varied needs. Partners may need to evaluate and choose the most suitable benefit package for their specific growth stage and business requirements.

Source: https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/2516464/microsoft-sets-aside-more-than-us240m-in-copilot-security-azure-channel-initiatives.html