Microsoft is taking a new approach to boost the adoption of its AI assistant, Copilot. Microsoft is forcing its AI assistant on people by integrating Copilot into its Microsoft 365 subscriptions without offering an opt-out option. The tech giant recently added Copilot to its Microsoft 365 subscription service in Australia and several Southeast Asian countries. This change applies to all users of the service, regardless of preference, and comes with a price hike.
Microsoft 365, which includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, now features the AI-powered Copilot tool. Alongside this update, subscription costs have increased. In Australia, users reported monthly charges rising from 11 Australian dollars to 16 Australian dollars.
The introduction of Copilot has sparked mixed reactions. Some users shared frustrations about the AI assistant’s frequent suggestions. The tool’s rainbow logo reportedly appears often, offering to assist with tasks, which many found disruptive.
The experience reminded some users of Clippy, the infamous Microsoft Office assistant from the 1990s. On social media, comparisons between Copilot and Clippy fueled discussions about the AI tool’s intrusive nature.
Microsoft’s AI Investment Strategy
Many users are unhappy that Microsoft is forcing its AI assistant on people and increasing subscription costs at the same time. The inclusion of Copilot highlights Microsoft’s commitment to capitalizing on its investments in artificial intelligence. Built with OpenAI’s technology, Copilot is a central part of CEO Satya Nadella’s strategy to expand the company’s software offerings for individual and corporate customers.
Microsoft, which has invested nearly $14 billion in OpenAI, launched the premium version of Copilot in early 2023. It costs $20 per month in the United States, in addition to the standard Microsoft 365 subscription fee of $7.
Despite the aggressive push, Copilot faces stiff competition from OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Between May 2023 and mid-December, Copilot was downloaded 37 million times, far behind ChatGPT’s 433 million downloads.
Corporate Adoption and Concerns
Microsoft is also targeting business clients, pricing Copilot for enterprise users at $30 per person. While nearly 70% of Fortune 500 companies reportedly use Copilot, businesses remain divided on its value. Concerns have been raised about the accuracy of AI outputs, data privacy, and the justification of its cost.
Microsoft has assured users that its AI tools meet privacy standards and protect data. However, the company has not disclosed sales figures for Copilot, though its total AI revenue is expected to surpass $10 billion annually.
In regions like Australia, the forced addition of Copilot to Microsoft 365 has led to backlash. In regions like Australia, Microsoft is forcing its AI assistant on people, leading some users to cancel subscriptions in protest.
Future Plans for AI Integration
Microsoft views Copilot as the first phase of its broader AI strategy. Plans include developing more advanced AI tools, or “agents,” capable of handling complex tasks like customer service and travel bookings.
The company hopes satisfied Copilot users will be more receptive to adopting these advanced tools. However, the current rollout suggests Microsoft has a long way to go in winning over skeptical customers. Microsoft’s investment in AI technology, especially through partnerships with OpenAI, reflects its forward-thinking approach. Copilot’s ability to assist with writing, summarizing emails, and creating presentations represents a step forward in productivity tools. For businesses, it offers a competitive edge by automating mundane tasks and enhancing efficiency. The reported adoption by nearly 70% of Fortune 500 companies signals the tool’s potential in the corporate world.
On a broader scale, the integration of AI into everyday tools makes advanced technology accessible to millions of users. This can democratize AI use and foster a better understanding of its applications. With plans to develop “agents” for complex tasks, Microsoft aims to redefine workplace productivity.
Also Read: AI Chatbots Show Signs of Cognitive Decline in Recent Study Results.
