Copilot as Prominent AI-powered Technology
Microsoft Build is an annual workshop where Microsoft unveils its latest technologies, product updates, development tools, and platforms. As a beneficial platform, Microsoft Build brings people together worldwide to create new possibilities for developers, share valuable insights, and establish a community. This year, “Copilot” is one of the standout announcements of Microsoft Build. Hence, this article will scrutinize Copilot, Windows Copilot, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and GitHub Copilot concepts and discuss their potential benefits.
Copilot
To begin, it may be helpful to provide a brief overview of the term “Copilot.” Copilot is an application that utilizes modern AI to assist users with complex cognitive tasks. It is an AI-powered application with a conversational interface that helps you with cognitive tasks.
One key message conveyed at this event was, “This is what Microsoft needs — leaving them all in a common area.” Therefore, we can infer from this sentence that the purpose is to facilitate handling complex cognitive tasks typically encountered by users, all from one common place. Another message came from Kevin Scott, the CTO and EVP of AI Microsoft, who emphasized the importance of platforms in his message. Platforms enable us to build things more confidently than we would typically be able to.
The prominent aspects of the “copilot” mentioned during the event are as follows:
- It employs a fresh development approach
- It boasts a unique architecture
- It will be everywhere
Windows Copilot
What is Windows Copilot, and what does it bring?
Windows Copilot, an AI tool recently announced on May 23rd, can significantly increase PC productivity while enhancing the overall computing experience for users. Microsoft has announced that they plan to incorporate this impressive AI technology into Windows 11. One of the phrases emphasized regarding Windows Copilot at the Microsoft Build event is “Centralized AI Assistance.” Therefore, it can be said that Windows Copilot is a centralized assistant that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to provide unparalleled service.
Another phrase that depicted the Windows Copilot during this event was, “It is going to change how you use your pc forever.”
Windows Copilot as an AI-powered assistant
-Designed to integrate into your workflow
- Advanced capabilities to cater to your needs
- Boosts productivity and improves work efficiency
Imagine the possibilities of configuring our PC to help us unleash our creativity and boost productivity! That is where Windows Copilot comes in to save the day.
During this event, the remarkable capabilities of Windows Copilot were showcased. Based on the demo presented, users can promptly configure their PC with the assistance of artificial intelligence by simply clicking a button in a chat environment.
How can Windows Copilot help with creativity and productivity?
To address this question, I will furnish examples from the demonstration conducted during the event. The four striking examples shown during the demo at the Microsoft Build event, which I clarified as a question-and-answer format, are as follows:
1. Personalizing and Navigating your PC
+ How can Windows Copilot help personalize and navigate a PC?
- An instance of this is when switching from one theme to another. As developers, we generally prefer using dark mode while working. With Windows Copilot, changing white to dark mode can be done with just one click.
2. Documentation
+ How can Windows Copilot summarize a document?
- Windows Copilot is highly efficient when it comes to handling PDFs. Users can attach any file, request a summary, rewrite the content, or ask questions about it.
3. Opening a Song
+ How can Windows Copilot open a song on a platform like Spotify?
- Asking questions like that, “Could you do me a favor? I’m looking for a great coding playlist on Spotify. Could you help me out with that?” Therefore, the Spotify plugin allows developers to write code while enjoying their favorite music.
4. Workflow with Plugins
+ How can Windows Copilot support workflow with plugins?
-It can create a logo or shape a picture.
-It can suggest applications upon user demand.
-It can also launch the recommended application.
-It is qualified to share the logo on Microsoft Teams.
As seen from the samples above, with the assistance of Windows Copilot, users can receive superb suggestions for their questions. By only clicking the recommendation button, they can effortlessly switch to a new environment and make the most of their experience. In a nutshell, Windows Copilot offers a wide range of features that can be customized to fit different needs.
What are the available plugins that integrate Windows Copilot?
You can find a comprehensive list of available plugins for Windows Copilot in the image below. Additionally, during the Microsoft Build event, Yusuf Mehdi, CVP, Consumer CMO Microsoft, announced that are currently 50 plugins available, with more to come.
Microsoft 365 Copilot
Microsoft 365 Copilot — your copilot for work.
Within various fundamental Microsoft applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, Microsoft 365 Copilot is an effective tool for increasing productivity and optimizing work processes. Its features facilitate workflow and help achieve users’ goals more efficiently.
What are the possible uses of Microsoft 365 Copilot?
This section will explain this question with examples based on Word, PowerPoint, and Teams, some Microsoft 365 applications.
Copilot in Microsoft Word
The Copilot within Word allows users to efficiently compose a comprehensive outline and incorporate pertinent, organization-specific details as needed. Copilot can also effectively modify pre-existing documents by rewriting entire sections or the entire document. Furthermore, Copilot provides helpful suggestions to enhance the quality of your writing by bolstering your arguments and addressing any inconsistencies. During the Microsoft Build event, a demonstration was provided to showcase the capabilities of Copilot in assisting with editing legal contracts. When information on California law is required, the Practical Law plugin can be utilized. Copilot effectively reviews the contract, conducts a legal analysis, and assists in locating the specific area that requires editing. Additionally, it can compile a comprehensive summary of all the proposed changes.
Copilot in Microsoft PowerPoint
Copilot can generate a new PowerPoint presentation using existing written documents upon request or from a draft. Furthermore, it can provide concise summaries of lengthy presentations and reformat the texts.
Copilot in Microsoft Teams
An example is using Copilot in Microsoft Teams to access the Atlassian plugin and utilize Atlassian Jira for project management expertise. An additional feature for productivity is the incorporation of Copilot into meetings and discussions. This feature enables the creation of meeting agendas by analyzing chat history. Participants may request a summary of any missed points from the meeting and inquire about decisions that were reached.
GitHub Copilot
GitHub Copilot is a tool that can significantly enhance the productivity and efficiency of developers by offering them helpful code suggestions and completions for their projects. It can save time and effort, conducting a more efficient development process.
During the event, Thomas Dohmke, CEO of GitHub, stressed that GitHub Copilot Chat is a significant innovation for GitHub. Mike Krieger, Co-Founder of Instagram, expressed his thoughts regarding GitHub Copilot:
“This is the single most mind-blowing application of machine learning I have ever seen.”
What are the statistics on GitHub Copilot?
During Microsoft Build 2023, several statistics about GitHub Copilot were shared for examination.
- 46% of new code is now written by AI.
- 75% of developers feel more concentrated on satisfying work.
- 96% of developers are faster with duplicative tasks.
What are the possible uses of GitHub Copilot?
To answer this question, in this section, I will describe six uses of the GitHub Copilot, which is supported by many programming languages (C++, C#, Go, Ruby, JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, and so on) and compilers (currently VS Code(mostly), JetBrains, and Neovim ideas) and which we can add as a plugin.
1. Communication with GitHub Copilot Chat
Developers can chat with GitHub Copilot Chat for diverse duties in the Visual Studio Code’s interface.
2. Learning and Building
For instance, we can select three lines of code and request an explanation of what this code snippet does.
3. Requesting Unit Tests from GitHub Copilot Chat
For instance, to request a unit test, say, “Generate unit tests for my code.” Remarkably, this ability can be accomplished in only seven lines.
4. Bug Fixing with GitHub Copilot
To get assistance with fixing bugs in your code, ask GitHub Copilot to suggest a fix by saying, “Can you propose a fix for the bugs in my code?”
5. Separation of Functions
For instance, it can be beneficial to have separated validation methods. By asking the relevant question about our specific needs, GitHub Copilot will exhibit changes incorporating separated validation methods and adding new lines of code.
6. Making Code More Readable
To enhance the readability of the code, simply state, “Make this code more readable by refactoring it.” At this point, GitHub Copilot analyzes code snippets and recommends more readable and clean code. Therefore, developers can streamline their development process and produce high-quality code.
More examples can be added, such as adding additional comments for code snippets, and new features may come to GitHub Copilot over time.
To sum up, with its high integration level, Windows Copilot can transform our computer usage significantly — even its interactive and notable features in PC settings prompt users to reevaluate their choice of the operating system. As for Microsoft 365 Copilot, it has been seamlessly integrated into productivity applications that are widely used by millions of individuals for their professional and personal pursuits. It operates within several essential Microsoft applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and others, to enhance productivity and streamline work processes. As for GitHub Copilot, it is an innovative tool that helps developers improve their coding skills. It provides a chat-based environment for learning and development.
References
Jha, R. (2023, May 23). Empowering every developer with plugins for Microsoft 365 Copilot | Microsoft 365 Blog. Retrieved June 25, 2023, from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/05/23/empowering-every-developer-with-plugins-for-microsoft-365-copilot/
Microsoft. (2023, May 23–25). Microsoft Build 2023. Retrieved June 25, 2023, from https://news.microsoft.com/build-2023/
Panay, P., Chief Product Officer, Windows and Devices. (2023, May 23). Bringing the power of AI to Windows 11 — unlocking a new era of productivity for customers and developers with Windows Copilot and Dev Home. Windows Developer Blog. Retrieved June 28, 2023, from https://blogs.windows.com/windowsdeveloper/2023/05/23/bringing-the-power-of-ai-to-windows-11-unlocking-a-new-era-of-productivity-for-customers-and-developers-with-windows-copilot-and-dev-home/
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