Microsoft Copilot+ Daily news digest, 07-16-2024

Executive summary:

The news surrounding Microsoft Copilot+ covers various aspects of the platform's performance and impact on different areas.

In terms of Battery Life, the Microsoft Surface Pro (2024) received praise for its long battery life, enhancing user experience. However, concerns were raised about ARM compatibility issues that still persist, potentially affecting overall performance.

Regarding System Performance, the Snapdragon X CPUs generated significant hype but faced mixed adoption and reviews. The HP OmniBook Ultra with AMD Ryzen AI 300 CPU promises enhanced AI capabilities, but concerns exist about compatibility issues with older hardware or software.

In the realm of Hardware, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 offer ARM-powered devices with Snapdragon X series processors, high-resolution displays, and AI capabilities for improved user experience. However, limited availability and higher pricing for certain configurations pose challenges.

On the Software front, Microsoft Copilot+ empowers IT teams with AI-powered low-code development tools, speeding up the development process and enhancing productivity. However, concerns linger about potential over-reliance on AI and integration challenges with legacy IT systems.

In terms of Security and Privacy, while Copilot+ offers enhanced security features with AI-driven threat detection and improved user experience, there are concerns about data privacy, potential bias in AI algorithms, and the need for established data and security protocols.

Overall, the news reflects a mix of positive advancements and challenges for Microsoft Copilot+, highlighting its potential to revolutionize IT processes and user experiences while also emphasizing the importance of addressing issues related to privacy, data security, and compatibility to ensure successful adoption and implementation.

Details

5 ways IT departments can get started with low-code and AI

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Empowers IT teams to automate repetitive tasks and focus on strategic work Potential overreliance on AI may lead to reduced critical thinking and problem-solving skills among team members
Provides AI-powered low-code development tools for building solutions without external developers Security concerns related to AI-powered tools handling sensitive data and processes
Speeds up the development process with conversational language prompts and vast app-building knowledge Integration challenges with legacy IT systems and tools
Enables creation of self-service assistants for common IT support requests Need for proper training and upskilling of team members to effectively use the platform
Enhances overall productivity and support quality within the organization Possibility of job displacement or resistance from team members due to automation

Source: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/blog/copilot-studio/5-ways-it-departments-can-get-started-with-low-code-and-ai/

Snapdragon X CPUs might not have lived up to the hype

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Qualcomm's Snapdragon X CPUs and the first "AI PC" laptops generated significant hype Adoption and reviews have been mixed
ARM architecture potentially dethroning x86's market dominance Limited market impact of ARM-based Snapdragon X Elite chips
Qualcomm's mainstream ARM offering, the Snapdragon X Elite series, is capable Limited adoption due to high pricing
Mid-tier laptops featuring Snapdragon X Elite CPUs are in development Risky technology and incomplete software support
AI PC market is still in its early stages Competition from upcoming AMD Ryzen AI 300 and Intel Lunar Lake CPUs
Copilot+ certification for top-tier laptops Competition from NVIDIA entering the AI PC market

Source: https://www.fudzilla.com/news/59353-snapdragon-x-cpus-might-not-have-lived-up-to-the-hype

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 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.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/how-to-force-enable-microsoft-copilot-on-windows-11/ar-BB1hpB4r?item=no_ads%3Atrue&ocid=BingNewsSearch

Microsoft Surface Pro (2024) review: Copilot+ flagship is beautiful, but AI features are shrug-worthy

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Long battery life Arm compatibility issues still remain
Sleek design OLED display requires a CPU upgrade
OLED display is beautiful Flex Keyboard is prohibitively expensive
More Arm-compatible apps than ever Can run hot under load
New Snapdragon X Elite processors Flex Keyboard is useful but pricey

Source: https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/ultrabooks-ultraportables/microsoft-surface-pro-2024-review

Microsoft has expanded the use of Draft with Copilot in Word documents

Key Positive Aspects of Copilot+ Key Concerns Related to Copilot+
Supports productivity apps like Word, enabling users to create drafts with text prompts Concerns about privacy and data security when using an AI assistant like Copilot+
Expanded functionality to rewrite or redefine specific text selections in Word documents Potential issues with accuracy and reliability of the AI assistant in understanding user prompts
Can transform text selections into different formats like bulleted lists, headings, or paragraphs Uncertainty about the learning curve for users to effectively utilize all features of Copilot+
Ability to tailor text for specific languages or markets, enhancing document localization Questions about the long-term support and updates for Copilot+ to maintain its effectiveness
Planned improvements to include referencing and attaching new content, preserving original formatting Possible limitations in the scope of tasks that Copilot+ can assist with, leading to user frustration

Source: https://www.neowin.net/news/micorsoft-has-expanded-the-use-of-draft-with-copilot-in-word-documents/

Qualcomm Snapdragon X Laptops See Sluggish Adoption As PassMark Reports 0.3% Share Against x86’s 99.7%

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Microsoft Copilot+ certification for top-tier laptops Limited adoption due to high pricing
Capable ARM-based Snapdragon X Elite series Limited availability of Snapdragon X Elite SKUs
Potential for performance uplifts gen-over-gen Competition from new x86 CPUs from AMD & Intel
Future competition from NVIDIA in the AI PC market Slow adoption rate compared to x86 CPUs

Source: https://wccftech.com/qualcomm-snapdragon-x-laptops-sluggish-adoption-passmark-reports-0-3-share-against-x86/

The Jump, the Gun and Microsoft Copilot | Tech | Business | Economy

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
AI-powered productivity enhancement across Microsoft ecosystem Minimal support and no commercial protection for data in basic version
Different levels of data protection available based on account type Need for a steady, incremental approach for implementation
Comprehensive access to Microsoft ecosystem with subscription model Data must be clean, structured, and in the cloud for optimal performance
Potential for significant ROI through admin reductions and improved productivity Need for established data and security protocols for user access
Capable of sifting through vast data to answer core business questions Correct setup required for access to Microsoft Graph for full functionality

Source: https://techeconomy.ng/the-jump-the-gun-and-microsoft-copilot/

Microsoft Surface Pro 11, Surface Laptop 7 Now Available For Pre-Order; Starts From RM5,399 (Updated)

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
ARM-powered Surface laptops with Snapdragon X series processors Availability limited to specific retailers like Harvey Norman
High-resolution displays with 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 Some configurations no longer available
Up to 90% faster performance compared to previous models Higher pricing for higher-end configurations
Long battery life up to 22 hours Limited ports on the devices
AI capabilities for enhanced user experience Limited availability for pre-orders until August 6, 2024

Source: https://www.lowyat.net/2024/326428/microsoft-surface-pro-11-laptop-7/

HP OmniBook Ultra, an AI PC with up to 55 TOPS equipped with AMD Ryzen AI 300 CPU, is now available

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Enhances AI capabilities on PCs equipped with Ryzen AI 300 Series chips Potential privacy concerns with increased AI integration
Co-designed with AMD for optimized performance Compatibility issues with older hardware or software
Utilizes AMD Radeon 800M graphics for improved visuals Dependence on internet connectivity for certain features
Scheduled release in August 2024 with competitive pricing starting at $1,450 Limited availability of software optimized for Copilot+ features

Source: https://gigazine.net/gsc_news/en/20240716-hp-omnibook-ultra-55-tops-performance

Microsoft Roadmap Weekly: New way to add accounts to Outlook, scheduled prompts in Copilot, and more

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Org Explorer feature for visualizing organizational structure Draft with Copilot currently lacks support for internet searches
Integration with Microsoft 365 apps Changes made by Copilot in Excel will require manual approval with an "Apply" button
Bing search integration coming to Draft with Copilot in Word Release timelines for features are subject to change
Ability to schedule prompts for important tasks Customization of Copilot responses may raise concerns about privacy and data usage

Source: https://www.xda-developers.com/microsoft-roadmap-weekly-new-features-july-15/