Major tech companies like Google, Samsung, and Apple have launched AI initiatives, with Microsoft introducing its ‘Copilot’ for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers. Integrated into Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Copilot assists with tasks but comes with a price increase, raising concerns among users. Microsoft defends the hike, citing enhanced features. Copilot also offers AI credits for various actions, and users in Germany can now access it without restrictions, provided they have the latest software updates.
Major technology giants such as Google, Samsung, and Apple have already initiated their AI strategies, and Microsoft has joined the competition with its innovative ‘Copilot’. Subscribers to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans can now explore the benefits of this advanced artificial intelligence.
The Copilot tool is seamlessly integrated into applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, providing assistance for various tasks. Once you upgrade to the latest version of Office, you’ll find the Copilot icon conveniently located in the top right corner of your toolbar. A simple click on this icon grants you access to its features.
Manage Your Expenses Wisely
Despite the exciting new capabilities, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with Copilot due to the accompanying price hike. The cost for the Personal subscription will increase from 69 to 99 euros annually, while the Family subscription will rise from 99 to 129 euros, representing a significant 30 percent increase. For those who prefer to avoid the AI features, switching to a more economical Classic subscription is an option.
Microsoft defends this price adjustment by highlighting the enhanced functionality that comes with the AI tool. They also note that this is the first price change since 2013. In a response to inquiries from a US tech site, Microsoft explained that the current price for Personal subscriptions, when adjusted for inflation, would be roughly 134 euros per year.
Exploring Copilot’s Capabilities
In Word, the AI can assist by generating text, summarizing documents, or answering questions related to your content. In PowerPoint, users can leverage Copilot to create complete presentations directly from Word files. Additionally, Copilot aids in collecting essential data across both applications.
Microsoft has primarily rolled out Copilot’s features for its online meeting platform, Teams. Here, it can summarize chat history from the previous month and provide citations. The AI also generates real-time transcripts and highlights critical points or upcoming tasks. On the Whiteboard, users can expect automated idea generation, organization, and summaries.
When it comes to Excel, the Copilot offers suggestions for formulas and various chart types to enhance your data analysis. Outlook, the popular email client, can help you draft superior emails or provide quick summaries of messages, making it easier to grasp their content, thanks to Copilot. Other applications like OneNote and Forms have only seen preliminary features introduced so far.
AI Credits for Enhanced Functionality
Alongside Copilot, Microsoft is rolling out a system of AI credits. Each action performed by the AI, whether generating text or images, consumes a credit. Users of the Microsoft Designer app will receive 15 credits per month, while those with a 365 Single or Family subscription will get 60 monthly AI credits.
A drawback of the Family subscription is that only the primary account holder can access the AI credits, which can only be shared by opting for an additional Copilot Pro subscription, providing unlimited access to all features. Remember, the credits reset at the start of each month, meaning you cannot carry them over.
How to Activate Copilot
As of January 16, users in Germany can access Microsoft Copilot without restrictions, having previously only had access to a beta version. To activate this new AI feature, ensure you have Windows 11 and the latest versions of Word, PowerPoint, and other relevant applications.
To check for updates, open any Microsoft 365 app and navigate to File > Account > Update Options. Here, you can see your current version and update if necessary. After agreeing to the privacy policy, restart the application. You should now have the latest version with Copilot integrated.
Final Thoughts
While the new Copilot feature comes with an additional cost, users can opt for a more affordable subscription if they choose not to utilize the AI tools. However, for those who appreciate tools similar to ChatGPT, Copilot presents a convenient solution, as it is fully integrated into Office applications, making it both practical and beneficial.