AI Copilot gets a revamp from Microsoft with new voice and reasoning features

Microsoft has introduced a more conversational and approachable voice to its AI assistant, Copilot, as part of its latest update. This chatbot can now assist users in analyzing web pages while they browse, offering a more engaging experience. According to Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, the company has enlisted a diverse group of creative professionals, including psychologists, novelists, and comedians, to fine-tune Copilot’s tone and style, ensuring it stands out in the competitive field of AI assistants. In an interview with Reuters, Suleyman explained that these efforts aim to make Copilot more relatable and human-like.

During a demonstration, Copilot was asked for suggestions on a housewarming gift for a friend who doesn’t drink wine. After some interactive dialogue, the AI enthusiastically recommended Italian olive oils, noting that Tuscan varieties, in particular, are currently popular for their “super peppery” flavor. This demonstration highlighted the assistant’s new conversational abilities, making it more than just a text-based tool.

This new rollout marks one of Suleyman’s first major projects since he took charge of Microsoft’s consumer product division in March, which focuses on expanding the company’s AI capabilities. Despite Microsoft’s dominance in business software, the company has faced challenges in gaining traction with consumers, especially in areas like search engines, where Bing still lags far behind Google. However, Suleyman sees Copilot as a potential game-changer, hoping it will make a significant impact in the AI chatbot market, which includes rivals like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.

Copilot’s new voice interactions now allow it to give verbal feedback, using cues like “cool” and “huh,” which give it the feel of an active listener. This is backed by Microsoft AI (MAI) models along with technology from their partner, OpenAI. For users willing to invest $20 a month in Copilot Pro, there’s also a feature called “Think Deeper” that helps them weigh important decisions, such as moving to a new city. Another upcoming feature, “Copilot Vision,” will enable users to discuss what they are viewing in their Microsoft Edge browser with the AI, providing an experience Suleyman described as “digital pointing.” Pro users can try this function early on, and it respects user privacy by not storing or using any content that is watched for training.

These updates reflect Microsoft’s vision of Copilot becoming a constant, trustworthy companion for users, providing personalized assistance across various platforms, including Word, Windows desktops, and even gaming consoles, provided users allow access. Suleyman, who previously served as CEO of Inflection AI, is confident that these enhancements will deepen Copilot’s role in users’ everyday lives.

When asked about Bill Gates’ thoughts on Microsoft’s AI advancements, Suleyman mentioned that Gates is particularly interested in when Copilot will be able to read and organize his emails. “It’s one of his favorite requests,” Suleyman joked. “We’re working on it.”