Microsoft Rolls Out Copilot Chat for Businesses
Microsoft has released Copilot Chat, a new service that enables businesses to create AI agents for routine tasks. The on-demand service uses OpenAI’s GPT-4 to create agents in natural languages such as English and Mandarin for tasks such as market research, writing strategy documents, and preparing for meetings. Users can access a free version of Copilot Chat, but premium features such as summarizing and transcribing Teams calls and creating PowerPoint slides will require a $30 monthly Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription.
The release is part of Microsoft’s effort to drive adoption of AI technology and show returns on its hefty investments in the field. The company plans to spend about $80 billion on data centers and AI infrastructure during its current fiscal year.
Copilot Chat follows Microsoft’s November rollout of autonomous agents that require minimal human intervention, a strategy seen as a potential path to monetization. Gartner reported on the uncertain outlook for Copilot’s adoption, which Microsoft aims to reverse through targeted initiatives like Copilot Chat.