In the realm of productivity software, Microsoft 365 stands out with its suite of applications that promise to enhance our work efficiency. This evening, after returning from a pleasant evening out, I arrived back home and returned a phone call before opening my email; discovering a Microsoft advertisement for Copilot Pro, a subscription service within Microsoft 365, claiming Copilot has revolutionized the user experience with AI in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
This ad asserted that users can “effortlessly create drafts, swiftly summarize long emails, and easily design beautiful slides on any topic.” But how much of this is marketing hyperbole, “And what does reality look like?”
The advertisement suggests that with Copilot Pro, creating drafts on any topic in Word is a breeze. While it’s true that AI features in Word can assist in drafting documents, the technology is not without its limitations. AI can provide suggestions, correct grammar, and even help with the structure of a document, but it cannot fully comprehend the nuances of human language or the specific needs of every user. Also, if your business is writing graphic novels or you simply like writing your significant other hot spicy letters every morning noon and night, unless you are writing to someone along the lines of a Catholic priest or nun, “Copilot won’t help!”
Excel is renowned for its robust data analysis capabilities. The ad’s claim that AI can help visualize maps and charts is accurate to an extent. However, the current AI features in Excel are primarily in English and in preview, indicating that they are not yet fully developed for all users. The AI can aid in data visualization, but it cannot replace the critical thinking and decision-making that go into interpreting data.
PowerPoint’s AI capabilities are highlighted in the ad for their ease in designing slides. While AI can indeed help create more visually appealing presentations, the claim that it can do so “easily on any topic” might be overstating its abilities. Users still need to provide context and direction for the AI to generate relevant content and if your photos involve naked pictures of your significant other, even if the slides are only for your own personal enjoyment, you’re going to be SOL there, “No matter how much you pay Microsoft for Copilot Pro on top of a Microsoft 365 subscription!”
The ad also mentions the ability to summarize long emails quickly. AI in Outlook can help condense information, but the quality of summarizations varies. It’s a helpful tool, but users will still need to read through emails to ensure nothing important is missing.
The advertisement paints a picture of an AI that can handle any task thrown at it, but the reality is more nuanced. AI in Microsoft 365 apps is a powerful ally, but it is not a replacement for human creativity and expertise. It serves as an assistant, not a substitute. Users should approach these tools with realistic expectations and a willingness to collaborate with the AI, rather than expecting it to do all the work.
In conclusion, while the advertisement for Copilot Pro may overpromise on the capabilities of AI in Microsoft 365 apps, the technology does offer valuable assistance. It’s important for users to understand the strengths and limitations of AI to make the most of these tools in their daily work and the fact that Copilot will not help you with any topic you choose. By paying for a Copilot subscription, “You are accepting the fact that a certain amount of censorship is being placed upon your creativity by Microsoft, too!”