Microsoft Copilot’s Major Update: Too Late to Make an Impact?

It’s commendable that Microsoft is positioning Copilot to compete with other AI chatbots, but its recent updates have only made a small dent in the challenges it faces. Unfortunately, Copilot still has a considerable distance to cover before being recognized among the top contenders in the field.

Copilot Introduces 5 Exciting New Features

While Copilot may feel a bit outdated, Microsoft consistently provides significant updates to enhance its functionality.

Advanced Research and Search Capabilities

Copilot has rolled out a new Deep Research feature reminiscent of ChatGPT. After you input a prompt, the tool will scour the web for in-depth information to provide answers to your queries.

The information gathered will be displayed in various formats. Occasionally, Copilot offers a table with all necessary details, while at other times, you’ll see bullet points or blocks of text. After testing both ChatGPT and Copilot’s Deep Research tools, I still find ChatGPT to be more effective. However, Copilot does provide a solid starting point.

Alongside Deep Research, Copilot has introduced a new search feature in Bing.

Copilot Podcasts

Copilot Podcasts is arguably the most innovative aspect of this update. With this feature, you can create your own podcasts using AI. The software curates content around your favorite topics, making it perfect for listening during a workout, walk, or while cooking dinner.

You have the option to contribute your insights, allowing for a more personal touch, making it feel less like a generic AI production and more like you being a guest on your own show.

Additionally, you can explore AI-generated podcasts from various platforms, although opinions on these can be quite divided.

Shopping Suggestions

Searching for specific products online can be tedious, but with Copilot’s recent update, finding what you need is less of a hassle. The new shopping suggestions feature works like a virtual retail assistant, offering tailored recommendations based on your preferences and helping you compare items to find the best fit for your needs.

The Copilot Shopping Assistant enhances your ability to research products more effectively than standard search prompts. It’s worth giving this tool a try and comparing it with others like Perplexity’s AI Shopping feature or ChatGPT’s shopping-centric search tool.

Actions

Copilot debuted an enterprise version of the Actions feature in late 2024, but its capabilities have now expanded to the consumer version. The latest updates allow you to perform multiple tasks across various websites. For instance, you can use the tool to purchase tickets for an upcoming event.

This feature streamlines necessary tasks, saving you time on your day-to-day activities.

What Else is New with Copilot?

As stated by Microsoft, Copilot can now generate even more personalized responses.

With your consent, Copilot can now retain information about your interests, memorable moments, and aspects of your life, like your pet’s name, challenging work projects, and what motivates you to stick to your fitness goals.

You can also access Copilot Vision on mobile and Windows devices, a feature initially launched last year. With Copilot Vision, you can allow the software to use your camera for contextual assistance with tasks.

Another addition to Copilot is Pages, a tool that enables brainstorming and other activities in a less distracting environment.

Why These Changes Are Insufficient for Copilot

While the introduction of these new features marks significant progress, it will take longer to close the gap between Copilot and other AI tools. Since Copilot’s debut, competitors like ChatGPT and Perplexity have rapidly evolved and show no signs of slowing down.

Although some features of Copilot are appealing, many are not original. For example, ChatGPT boasts a significantly better Deep Research tool compared to Copilot. Mimicking existing functionalities does not set Copilot apart.

Microsoft needs to leverage Copilot’s unique features to effectively compete with ChatGPT and similar tools. For instance, while Actions is an intriguing addition, more development in that area would be beneficial. Copilot is already effective with its Microsoft 365 integrations; focusing here could yield positive results.

It feels as if Copilot has been somewhat sidelined by Microsoft until now. Competing with OpenAI, which primarily focuses on AI technology, requires concentrated attention. For Copilot to emerge as a top-tier assistant, it must sharpen its focus and prioritize innovation.