Essential AI Updates from Microsoft and Amazon Events Worth Your Attention

Last month, American tech giants Microsoft and Amazon released their cutting-edge AI product enhancements at distinct events.

During the 'Surface, Windows, and AI showcase' in New York, Microsoft introduced an array of AI enhancements for Office, Windows, Bing, and more. Concurrently, Amazon announced updates for Alexa and its smart home ecosystem at the 'Devices and Services' media event held at HQ2, the company’s headquarters situated in Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia.

Here’s a roundup of the most recent AI advancements from Microsoft and Amazon, which will give you insight into their potential effects.

Windows 11 gets AI integration

Starting September 26, Microsoft is rolling out its AI assistant, Windows Copilot, within Windows 11. Users can easily access it with a Win+C shortcut on their PCs. 

Copilot will now seamlessly integrate within all Microsoft 365 applications, such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, as well as the Edge browser and Bing. This integration allows it to synthesize information from the internet, work documents, and users' current PC activities for optimal assistance.

For instance, Copilot on Windows can fetch data from associated smartphones, enabling users to request summaries of their text messages.

A novel feature called Windows Ink Anywhere collaborates with Copilot to tackle math challenges for users and beyond. Imagine utilizing a Surface Laptop pen to underline a math problem on your screen while Copilot jumps in to help you find the answer.

Upgraded Personalization and DALL-E 3 Features within Bing Chat

Bing Chat, Microsoft’s search engine, has integrated DALL-E 3, the latest iteration of OpenAI's text-to-image generator, allowing users to produce illustrations directly in the chat via simple text inputs.

OpenAI, an American non-profit research institute in AI, has been developing fascinating tools including DALL-E and the now-prominent ChatGPT. Meanwhile, Microsoft has cemented its position as OpenAI's leading investor, having injected $10 billion into the organization earlier this year.

Moreover, the latest update includes the Bing Image Generator, which now displays content credentials marked with a 'Generated with AI' label to help users differentiate AI-generated images from authentic photos.

The Personalized Answers feature enables Bing Chat to leverage users' past search histories to provide context-aware replies. This enhancement eliminates redundant queries. For example, if a user previously mentioned their interest in hiking, the next time they ask about 'great outdoor activities,' Bing Chat the system can automatically recommend hiking trails or related outdoor experiences.

Launch of Microsoft 365 Copilot Set for November

Initially unveiled in March, Microsoft's 365 Copilot AI assistant will be available to Microsoft 365 customers starting November 1st, for specific users. business and enterprise plans This tool is designed to help business professionals streamline tasks such as summarizing documents, crafting emails, providing real-time insights from Teams meetings, among other functions.

Companies that participated in the early access program will have priority when launching the software. However, there will be an additional fee of $30 per user each month, on top of existing Microsoft 365 subscription costs.

What’s up, Amazon?

Amazon has revitalized its offerings, showcasing an advanced version of Alexa and utilizing machine learning, computer vision, and facial recognition technologies to enhance its smart home devices. AI race at its “Devices and Services” event.

In light of last year's reports indicating significant losses to Amazon’s Alexa and Echo divisions, this AI transformation appears to be an essential move.

Alexa gets a Generative AI Boost

For many users, Alexa signified their initial experience with AI. Nonetheless, it faced challenges, such as delivering robotic responses and occasionally failing to comprehend complex queries, which led to user frustration.

Amazon has rolled out a new generative AI feature titled 'Alexa, let’s chat,' now available for preview on all Echo devices. Users can anticipate more fluid and natural conversations with the voice assistant when they initiate dialogue.

The assistant comes equipped with an enhanced speech recognition system that accommodates natural speech rhythms, resulting in quicker response times. On Alexa devices that include a camera, users can engage without saying 'Alexa,' simply by looking at the screen to communicate.

Dave Limp, Amazon’s Senior Vice President of devices and services, stated that the upgraded Alexa better understands conversational language and can respond appropriately. It is now capable of grasping context more effectively and handling multiple requests simultaneously.

Additionally, the Eye Gaze feature empowers users with mobility impairments or speech disabilities to operate Alexa through eye movements. By directing their gaze at the screen, they can execute commandeers like playing music, placing calls, or controlling smart home gadgets.

A more Personalized Fire TV 

Amazon is leveraging its AI prowess to assist viewers in selecting content for Fire TV.

Utilizing extensive data from platforms like IMDB and users' viewing habits allows for sophisticated queries, such as, 'Find the latest show featuring the actor from The Peaky Blinders,' leading to instant results like 'Taboo.' This personalized search experience lets users request things like 'Hey, continue the romantic series I started' or 'Suggest new free-to-stream action films.'

AI Art on Fire TV 

In the coming months, Fire TV users will be able to generate AI-created artwork solely through their voice and imagination.

By giving Alexa creative prompts, users will witness their concepts transformed into unique visuals on their screens. The AI Art feature is set to launch for US customers by the year's end, exclusively on devices equipped with the Fire TV Ambient Experience.