Software giant unveils upgraded Copilot, pitching features as virtual photographic memory
Microsoft aims for laptop users to become so accustomed to its AI chatbot that it remembers all their activities on the computer and assists in determining their next actions.
On Monday, the software giant unveiled an upgraded version of Copilot, its AI assistant, amid increased competition from major tech rivals. This upgrade focuses on generative AI technology, which can compose documents, create images, and act as a lifelike personal assistant at home or work.
The announcements, made ahead of Microsoft’s annual Build developer conference in Seattle, highlight the integration of AI features into the Windows operating system for personal computers, which already has a large consumer base.
New features include Windows Recall, allowing the AI assistant to “access virtually what you have seen or done on your PC in a way that feels like having photographic memory.” Microsoft assures users of privacy protection by offering the option to filter out tracked information.
The conference follows significant AI announcements last week from Google, as well as Microsoft’s close business partner OpenAI, which developed the large language models underlying Microsoft’s Copilot.
Google introduced a revamped search engine that intermittently provides AI-generated summaries above website links on the results page. They also showcased Astra, an AI assistant in development that can “see” and discuss things captured through a smartphone’s camera lens.
OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, revealed a new version of its chatbot, showcasing an AI voice assistant with human-like characteristics. This assistant can engage in banter about clothing and even attempt to assess emotions. The voice was so reminiscent of Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of an AI character in the movie “Her” that OpenAI removed it from its collection on Monday.
Despite Microsoft’s substantial investment in OpenAI, the startup has also introduced a new desktop version of ChatGPT tailored for Apple’s Mac computers.
Apple’s own annual developers conference is scheduled for June. Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted at the company’s annual shareholder meeting in February that it has been heavily investing in generative AI.
Some of Microsoft’s announcements on Monday seemed aimed at preempting whatever Apple has planned. The newly AI-enhanced Windows PCs will begin rolling out on June 18 on computers made by Microsoft partners such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung, as well as on Microsoft’s Surface line of devices. However, they will be reserved for premium models starting at $999.