Microsoft Introduces an AI Assistant Capable of Attending Meetings on Your Behalf

Microsoft will be making its ChatGPT-style AI assistant, called Microsoft 365 Copilot, available to all users from 1 November. This AI assistant can be embedded into Microsoft Office apps and offers a range of functions such as summarizing meetings in Teams for those who did not attend, drafting emails, creating documents, graphs, and presentations. Microsoft hopes that this tool will eliminate mundane tasks, but there are concerns that it may replace human workers and create a dangerous reliance on AI-powered assistance. Moreover, there are worries that the current version of Copilot does not comply with new AI rules that require transparency about whether users are interacting with humans or AI. However, Microsoft argues that it is the responsibility of individuals to clarify when they are using Copilot. The EU and China also believe it is the responsibility of AI tool developers to ensure responsible AI use. During a demonstration, Copilot efficiently summarized a chain of emails, provided suggested responses, generated a PowerPoint presentation based on a Word document, and offered meeting summaries. The tool will be priced at $30 per month and requires an internet connection. Critics argue that such technology could disrupt administrative jobs and lead to excessive dependence on AI tools, posing risks in case of failures, security breaches, or disagreements with policies.