Microsoft Updates AI Copilot with Enhanced Voice, Reasoning Features

Microsoft has enhanced its consumer-focused Copilot, an AI assistant, by giving it a friendlier voice in its latest update. This update allows the chatbot to analyse web pages as users browse, offering a more interactive experience.

The new features, rolled out on Tuesday, are among the first initiatives Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft AI’s CEO has overseen since the formation of his division in March, which focuses on consumer products and tech research.

According to Suleyman, the company now employs diverse creative professionals—including psychologists, novelists, and comedians—to refine Copilot’s tone and style, making it unique in the competitive AI space.

The new features, rolled out on Tuesday, are among the first initiatives Suleyman has overseen since the formation of his division in March, which focuses on consumer products and tech research.

Historically associated with business software, Microsoft has faced challenges breaking into the consumer market. For instance, its Bing search engine remains overshadowed by Google.

Suleyman hopes Copilot, which debuted last year amid a crowded AI chatbot landscape including OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and Google’s Gemini, will make a stronger impact. Copilot’s updated voice capabilities help it appear more engaged, using verbal affirmations like “cool” and “huh.”

Also Read: Microsoft launches Copilot tool for developers

The assistant is powered by Microsoft AI models and technology from partner OpenAI.

Suleyman also shared that users paying $20 monthly for Copilot Pro can try the “Think Deeper” feature, which helps evaluate complex decisions, such as choosing between different cities to move to.

Additionally, a new test feature, Copilot Vision, allows subscribers to interact with AI about content visible in their Microsoft Edge browser, a functionality Microsoft likens to “digital pointing.” Users must opt-in, and Microsoft assures them that the data will neither be saved nor used for AI training.

Suleyman envisions Copilot evolving into a constant “confidant” for users, capable of learning from their Word documents, Windows desktops, and even gaming consoles—if permission is granted.

Reflecting on the excitement around these advancements, Suleyman noted that Bill Gates, Microsoft’s co-founder, is particularly interested in Copilot’s ability to read and understand his emails.