Microsoft Copilot Unveils Expansions and New Features

Microsoft Copilot, the groundbreaking chat featuring generative AI capabilities, is set to revolutionize how individuals and businesses operate. On Jan. 15, Microsoft unveiled significant expansions to its Copilot product lineup, making it more accessible and powerful for users across various domains.

Expanding to Individuals and Enterprises

Copilot became available in November 2023, but with its high demand and potential, Microsoft is ready to expand the program.

• Copilot Pro: The introduction of Copilot Pro caters to individuals seeking a premium AI experience. With foundational capabilities running seamlessly across devices and apps, Copilot Pro ensures access to the latest models, including Open AI’s GPT-4 Turbo. The subscription is priced at $20 per user a month.
• Copilot for Microsoft 365 Businesses: Copilot’s reach is expanding to businesses of all sizes with Copilot for Microsoft 365. Microsoft has removed the 300-seat purchase minimum for commercial plans, making it more accessible for small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This move is part of Microsoft’s commitment to empowering organizations with the capabilities of generative AI. The monthly subscription costs $30 per user for Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Microsoft 365 Business Premium subscribers.

This update also makes Copilot available for Office 365 E3 and E5 customers; previously, only people with Microsoft 365 subscriptions could use Copilot.

Collaboration with Cloud Solution Provider Partners

Commercial customers can also purchase Copilot for Microsoft 365 through their collaboration with Cloud Solution Provider partners (CSPs). This means Copilot for Microsoft 365 is available across all sales channels.

Copilot Goes Mobile

Microsoft’s commitment to Copilot in 2024 includes the launch of Android and iOS apps. Users can access Copilot’s AI capabilities on the go. The mobile app brings Copilot’s power to users’ fingertips, from writing prompts to summarizing text and drafting emails.

Intelligent Recap Expansion

Microsoft also expanded its Intelligent Recap feature for Teams Premium to Copilot users. This capability allows users to request an AI-honed summary of video meetings, including timeline markers, screen sharing information and when the user’s name was specifically mentioned.

“The Year of the AI PC”

Microsoft’s commitment to Copilot extends into 2024 with “the year of the AI PC.” A new Copilot key will appear on new PCs and laptops designed by Microsoft’s partners. The key will grant instant access to Copilot, representing the first change to the PC keyboard since the introduction of the Windows key in 1994.

Copilot Available to Education Faculty

Copilot for Microsoft 365 is also available to education faculty and staff, with eligibility extended to Office 365 A3 or A5 faculty with no seat minimum.

Thriveon Guides Copilot and Microsoft 365 Applications

When you're ready to explore how Copilot and Microsoft 365 can enhance productivity and operational efficiency at your office, contact us to start the strategic conversation. Clients who move to the Microsoft modern office can save over $800 and 250 hours per user annually.