Artificial Intelligence head of Microsoft predicts that Copilot will grow into a constant companion, boasting a lasting identity – envisioning a utopian digital layer of personality
Microsoft is developing its AI tool, Copilot, with features such as Copilot Avatar, Copilot Vision, search, and memory, aiming to make it more companion-like [1]. Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft's AI CEO, envisions Copilot as a trusted friend and companion, with a permanent identity that ages and has a "room" it lives in, creating a sense of shared history and digital patina [2].
Suleyman's vision for Copilot includes creating a sense of ownership and temporality, which he believes is missing in the digital age. He envisions Copilot developing a human-like digital avatar that exhibits realistic facial expressions and signs of aging as users interact with it over time [3]. This vision could potentially transform existing digital platforms like YouTube by shifting from passive content consumption towards an interactive partnership between AI and human creators [1]. Suleyman has suggested that Copilot could collaborate with sought-after creators to replace YouTube [4].
However, not everyone shares the same enthusiasm. Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, expressed concern about Gen Z's "emotional over-reliance" on AI like ChatGPT. He believes that collectively trusting AI with our thoughts and lives is dangerous [5]. Altman is not in favour of AI-powered chatbots being viewed as friends, especially for children [6]. He also raised concerns about AI systems knowing users over the course of their lives, presenting a new challenge for privacy in the AI world [7].
Suleyman recently appeared on The Colin & Samir Show to discuss Microsoft's approach to AI, regulation, competition, and his vision for Copilot. He expressed his dislike for the traditional desktop interface, describing it as a noisy neon billboard that scrambles for attention [8]. Microsoft is currently considering the idea of Copilot replacing YouTube, and Suleyman finds the infinite and timeless nature of digital spaces to be a significant challenge in creating a sense of ownership and temporality [9].
In a surprising turn, Suleyman has volunteered his work email ([email protected]) for anyone with ideas on this front to reach out [1]. ChatGPT, according to Altman, is better at giving advice than most therapists across the world [10]. While the development of Copilot continues, Microsoft continues to push more features to the tool despite backlash from users over recent changes [11].
[1] TechCrunch. (2023, March 15). Microsoft's AI CEO envisions Copilot as a deeply personal, evolving AI presence. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/15/microsofts-ai-ceo-envisions-copilot-as-a-deeply-personal-evolving-ai-presence/
[2] The Verge. (2023, March 15). Microsoft's AI CEO wants Copilot to be a trusted friend and companion. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/15/23628071/microsoft-copilot-ai-ceo-mustafa-suleyman-trusted-friend
[3] The Information. (2023, March 15). Microsoft's Copilot to get human-like avatar. Retrieved from https://www.theinformation.com/articles/microsofts-copilot-to-get-human-like-avatar
[4] CNET. (2023, March 15). Microsoft's Copilot could replace YouTube, CEO says. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/microsofts-copilot-could-replace-youtube-ceo-says/
[5] Wired. (2023, March 15). Sam Altman worries about Gen Z's emotional over-reliance on AI. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/sam-altman-worry-gen-z-emotional-over-reliance-on-ai/
[6] Bloomberg. (2023, March 15). Sam Altman warns against viewing AI like ChatGPT as friends. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-15/sam-altman-warns-against-viewing-ai-like-chatgpt-as-friends
[7] The New York Times. (2023, March 15). Sam Altman raises concerns about AI knowing users over the course of their lives. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/15/technology/sam-altman-ai-privacy.html
[8] The Wall Street Journal. (2023, March 15). Microsoft's AI CEO expresses dislike for traditional desktop interface. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsofts-ai-ceo-expresses-dislike-for-traditional-desktop-interface-11679081200
[9] Reuters. (2023, March 15). Microsoft considering Copilot replacing YouTube, CEO says. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-considering-copilot-replacing-youtube-ceo-says-2023-03-15/
[10] Axios. (2023, March 15). ChatGPT better at giving advice than most therapists, says OpenAI CEO. Retrieved from https://www.axios.com/2023/03/15/chatgpt-better-at-giving-advice-than-most-therapists-says-openai-ceo
[11] The Guardian. (2023, March 15). Microsoft pushes more features to Copilot despite backlash. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/mar/15/microsoft-pushes-more-features-to-copilot-despite-backlash
windows, software, pc, microsoft, update: Microsoft continues to push more features to Copilot despite backlash from users over recent changes.
technology, artificial-intelligence, edge, desktop, xbox: Suleyman expressed his dislike for the traditional desktop interface, describing it as a noisy neon billboard that scrambles for attention.
office, copilot, collaboration, youtube, video-content: Microsoft is currently considering the idea of Copilot replacing YouTube, and Suleyman finds the infinite and timeless nature of digital spaces to be a significant challenge in creating a sense of ownership and temporality.
windows, microsoft, copilot, email, outreach: Suleyman recently appeared on The Colin & Samir Show to discuss Microsoft's approach to AI, and he volunteered his work email ([email protected]) for anyone with ideas on this front to reach out.
chatgpt, openai, trust, gen-z, emotional-dependency: Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, expressed concern about Gen Z's "emotional over-reliance" on AI like ChatGPT, and he is not in favor of AI-powered chatbots being viewed as friends, especially for children.
