What is Microsoft Copilot, and what can it do?

A year after ChatGPT became a neighbourhood buzzword, it seems all tech companies are looking for an ‘AI’ connect, irrespective of whether the connect is true innovation or simply a gimmick. You may mistake Microsoft’s Copilot for one of the latter but trust us when we say that Copilot is much more than just another AI chatbot.

Launched as the highlight of the Windows 23H2 update last year, Microsoft Copilot has been a part of most Windows 11 laptops and desktops in the months since. While those who have seen its potential have likely loved how far Copilot can take their productivity, the tool is still a mystery to most.

ALSO READ: Windows keyboards to get a new dedicated Copilot key

That is precisely why we’ll be diving deeper into what is Microsoft Copilot and how can one use it. We will also look at how Copilot is different from other chatbots like ChatGPT. Let’s begin.

What is Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot is an advanced AI tool that can perform the tasks of AI chatbots like ChatGPT, as well as image creators like Midjourney. Unlike other standalone apps, Copilot is integrated into Windows 11-based system, which means it has access to a much deeper level of control when it comes to the operating system.

What can Copilot do?

Thanks to its multi-functional nature, Copilot can generate text-based content, short or long, as well as summarise longer text into short pointers, just like ChatGPT or Google Bard (now Gemini). This is thanks to the power of the GPT4 LLM (Large Language Model).

However, Copilot also has access to Dall-E (a system based on the GPT LLM that specialises in image creation), which also allows it to take in text prompts for output AI-generated imagery based on it.

What makes Copilot unique?

You’re probably thinking, if Copilot does exactly what ChatGPT or Midjourney does, what makes it different? The answer to that is integration with other Microsoft products. Copilot is deeply integrated into Microsoft-owned products like the Windows 11 operating system, Edge browser, or even the entire Microsoft 365 subscription. This gives it some unique perks – the kind of perks that ChatGPT and other tools can’t offer just yet.

On Windows 11, for instance, Copilot’s deep integration allows it to do things like change your system from light mode to dark mode by simply entering a “turn on dark mode” command. You can also open some programs by typing in prompts like “Open Control Panel”.

On the Edge browser, Copilot allows you to open PDF files (a few pages, all the way up to a full book) and summarise them, find a particular extract, or even answer questions based on a particular section of the PDF.

ALSO READ: Google Chrome is making browsing easier with new AI-powered features

Lastly, integration with Microsoft’s Office suite allows some cool functions within apps like Word and PowerPoint. In Word, for instance, Copilot is capable of using prompts to create the first draft of a document that you can then build upon. You can also type your document and then use Copilot to rewrite it, change tonality, or other elements – all within the Word window.

Where can you try out Copilot?

Windows 11: If you have a Windows-based laptop or desktop, you can use Copilot directly from the Taskbar. Once enabled you should find Copilot situated in the bottom-right corner of the Taskbar, and clicking on the icon will open up the AI tool.

Edge Browser: You can also open up Copilot on the Microsoft Edge browser if you don’t have Windows 11. This is for those with older machines that run on Windows 10, offering them a way to check out the AI tool

Bing website: You can also access Copilot’s web version on the official Bing website. Simply head to www.bing.com and click on the Copilot button on the top.

Copilot app: If you want a taste of Copilot when on the go, you can also download the free Copilot app, available for both iPhones and Android phones.

ALSO READ: Apple’s generative AI features are coming later this year

We hope this blog gives you a good idea about Copilot and how it works. You now also know how you can try Copilot out on any device of your choice. What are you waiting for? Go check it out, now!