Microsoft giveth and Microsoft taketh away: Copilot edition
Office documents in Copilot? Absolutely! Using Copilot to make Outlook themes? Nah…
Microsoft has introduced a new Copilot feature that allows users to create an Office document, such as in Word, and edit it while maintaining a conversation with the AI assistant. This can also be shared with other users who can tweak the document using the same prompt. However, Microsoft appears to be placing more emphasis on the Copilot app over other platforms like SharePoint, which might deter certain customers. The rollout of this feature is currently limited to Frontier customers in Chat and Cowork.
Microsoft's commitment to certain technologies, like the ability to create themes in Outlook using Copilot, has also been questioned. This feature, touted as the first instance of dynamic AI-generated theming in productivity applications, was active for less than two years before being discontinued. Microsoft stated that it wouldn't be possible to revert to the previous theme once a different one was selected.
The company's approach of quickly dropping technology when it shifts focus, as seen with the Themes by Copilot feature, serves as a cautionary tale for those embracing Copilot in Office. The success of this new feature will be critical for Microsoft, as it must prove its value or face potential obsolescence.
Written by urgent.news from The Register's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Microsoft unveils Maia 300, its most powerful AI chip yet - and it might make using Teams, Copilot and Cowork much better at last techradar.com
- Microsoft giveth and Microsoft taketh away: Copilot edition theregister.com
- Microsoft is making its homegrown Maia 300 chip the primary engine for AI inference qz.com
- Microsoft to launch Maia 300 AI chip in 2027 seekingalpha.com
