Hello IT Leaders,
In the dynamic realm of AI office productivity tools, where ChatGPT4, Claude2, and Fireflies.AI have already proven their mettle, the entry of Microsoft's "Copilot for Anything" has stirred up conversations. Is it worth your time and investment? I watched the 30-minute video interview with Preston Gralla so you didn't have to, and here are the top takeaways from his investigation of Copilot, as detailed in his post and interview.
Gralla's original post, published on October 27, 2023, and the subsequent YouTube interview on November 15, 2023, offer an insightful critique. He had high expectations for Copilot for Windows, given the colossal investment of $13.1 billion by Microsoft in generative AI. However, his experience fell short of the mark. The tool, according to Gralla, failed to add significant value to the Windows operating system, often reverting to basic tasks like enabling dark mode – something achievable without AI assistance.
In his interview, Gralla described his disappointment with Copilot's limited capabilities, even in simple tasks such as connecting to a Wi-Fi network or checking for Windows updates. The AI, instead of performing these tasks, merely provided instructions or unrelated responses, reminiscent of Microsoft's infamous Clippy.
Moreover, Gralla highlighted a lack of integration and innovation in Copilot for Windows, suggesting that Microsoft may have missed an opportunity to create a more powerful AI tool. He speculated that the release might have been more about gathering real-life training data than providing a fully functional product.
Now, what about current public reviews? As of now, there seems to be a lack of overwhelmingly positive reviews that would suggest significant improvements in Copilot since Gralla's assessment. His perspective, though critical, appears to align with the general sentiment.
Key Takeaways for IT Leaders:
- Proceed with Caution: While AI tools hold transformative potential, their practical utility in your IT infrastructure should be critically evaluated.
- Balance Innovation and Proven Performance: Continue to rely on established AI tools like ChatGPT4, Claude2, and Fireflies.AI, which have already demonstrated their efficacy.
- Stay Informed: As IT leaders, it's crucial to stay updated on the latest developments. We are committed to researching and informing you about potential new AI tools that could merit inclusion in your 2024 IT budget.
In conclusion, while it's important to explore new technologies, the current iteration of "Copilot for Anything" seems to require further development before it can be considered a valuable addition to the arsenal of IT productivity tools. As always, our commitment is to keep you informed and ahead in the dynamic world of AI advancements.
