Search This Blog
Powered by Blogger.

Blog Archive

Labels

Load More
Trendy Right Now

Popular Posts

Showing posts with label Copilot. Show all posts
Technology
AI technology AI tools Business AI Copilot data security LLM Microsoft Salesforce Technology

Microsoft and Salesforce Clash Over AI Autonomy as Competition Intensifies

 

The generative AI landscape is witnessing fierce competition, with tech giants Microsoft and Salesforce clashing over the best approach to AI-powered business tools. Microsoft, a significant player in AI due to its collaboration with OpenAI, recently unveiled “Copilot Studio” to create autonomous AI agents capable of automating tasks in IT, sales, marketing, and finance. These agents are meant to streamline business processes by performing routine operations and supporting decision-making. 

However, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has openly criticized Microsoft’s approach, likening Copilot to “Clippy 2.0,” referencing Microsoft’s old office assistant software that was often ridiculed for being intrusive. Benioff claims Microsoft lacks the data quality, enterprise security, and integration Salesforce offers. He highlighted Salesforce’s Agentforce, a tool designed to help enterprises build customized AI-driven agents within Salesforce’s Customer 360 platform. According to Benioff, Agentforce handles tasks autonomously across sales, service, marketing, and analytics, integrating large language models (LLMs) and secure workflows within one system. 

Benioff asserts that Salesforce’s infrastructure is uniquely positioned to manage AI securely, unlike Copilot, which he claims may leak sensitive corporate data. Microsoft, on the other hand, counters that Copilot Studio empowers users by allowing them to build custom agents that enhance productivity. The company argues that it meets corporate standards and prioritizes data protection. The stakes are high, as autonomous agents are projected to become essential for managing data, automating operations, and supporting decision-making in large-scale enterprises. 

As AI tools grow more sophisticated, both companies are vying to dominate the market, setting standards for security, efficiency, and integration. Microsoft’s focus on empowering users with flexible AI tools contrasts with Salesforce’s integrated approach, which centers on delivering a unified platform for AI-driven automation. Ultimately, this rivalry is more than just product competition; it reflects two different visions for how AI can transform business. While Salesforce focuses on integrated security and seamless data flows, Microsoft is emphasizing adaptability and user-driven AI customization. 

As companies assess the pros and cons of each approach, both platforms are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping AI’s impact on business. With enterprises demanding robust, secure AI solutions, the outcomes of this competition could influence AI’s role in business for years to come. As these AI leaders continue to innovate, their differing strategies may pave the way for advancements that redefine workplace automation and decision-making across the industry.
Read more »
Technology
AI Artificial Intelligence CNBC Copilot CyberCrime Cybersecurity Data Privacy Data Safety Microsoft OpenAI Recall Technology

Microsoft Introduces AI Solution for Erasing Ex from Memories

 


It reveals the story of a woman who is emotionally disturbed and seeks the help of artificial intelligence as she tries to erase her past in director Vikramaditya Motwane's new Hindi film, CTRL. There is no doubt that the movie focuses on data and privacy, but humans are social animals and they need someone to listen to them, guide them, or be there as they go through life.  The CEO of Microsoft AI, Mustafa Suleyman, spoke about this recently in a CNBC interview. 

During an interview with CNN, Suleyman explained that the company is engineering AI companions to watch "what we are doing and to remember what we are doing." This will create a close relationship between AI and humans. As a result of the announcement of AI assistants for the workplace, many companies like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Google have come up with such solutions.  

It has been announced by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella that Windows will be launching a new feature called Recall. A semantic search is more than just a keyword search; it digs deep into users' digital history to recreate moments from the past, tracking them back to the time they happened. It was announced today by Microsoft's AI CEO, Mustafa Suleyman, that Copilot, the company's artificial intelligence assistant, has been redesigned. 

Copilot, a newly revamped version of Microsoft's most popular AI companion, shares the same vision of a companion for AI that will revolutionize the way users interact with technology daily in their day-to-day lives with the AI head. After joining Microsoft earlier this year, after the company strategically hired key staff from Inflection AI, Suleyman wrote a 700-word memo describing what he refers to as a "technological paradigm shift." 

Copilot has been redesigned to create an AI experience that is more personalized and supportive, similar to Inflection AI's Pi product, which adapts to users' requirements over time, similar to the Pi product. The announcement of AI assistants for the workplace has been made by a number of companies, including Microsoft, OpenAI, and Google.  The Wall Street Journal reported that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella explained that "Recall is not just about documents." in an interview. 

A sophisticated AI model embedded directly inside the device begins to take screenshots of users' activity and then feeds the data collected into an on-board database that analyzes these activities. By using neural processing technology, all images and interactions can be made searchable, even going as far as searching images by themselves. There are some concerns regarding the events, with Elon Musk warning in a characteristic post that this is akin to an episode of Black Mirror. Going to turn this 'feature' off in the future." 

OpenAI has introduced the ChatGPT desktop application, now powered by the latest GPT-4o model, which represents a significant advancement in artificial intelligence technology. This AI assistant offers real-time screen-reading capabilities, positioning itself as an indispensable support tool for professionals in need of timely assistance. Its enhanced functionality goes beyond merely following user commands; it actively learns from the user's workflow, adapts to individual habits, and anticipates future needs, even taking proactive actions when required. This marks a new era of intelligent and responsive AI companions. 

Jensen Huang also highlighted the advanced capabilities of AI Companion 2.0, emphasizing that this system does not just observe and support workflows—it learns and evolves with them, making it a more intuitive and helpful partner for users in their professional endeavors. Meanwhile, Zoom has introduced Zoom Workplace, an AI-powered collaboration platform designed to elevate teamwork and productivity in corporate environments. The platform now offers over 40 new features, which include updates to the Zoom AI Companion for various services such as Zoom Phone, Team Chat, Events, Contact Center, and the "Ask AI Companion" feature. 

The AI Companion functions as a generative AI assistant seamlessly integrated throughout Zoom’s platform, enhancing productivity, fostering stronger collaboration among team members, and enabling users to refine and develop their skills through AI-supported insights and assistance. The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence continue to reshape the technological landscape, as companies like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Google lead the charge in developing AI companions to support both personal and professional endeavors.

These AI solutions are designed to not only enhance productivity but also provide a more personalized, intuitive experience for users. From Microsoft’s innovative Recall feature to the revamped Copilot and the broad integration of AI companions across platforms like Zoom, these developments mark a significant shift in how humans interact with technology. While the potential benefits are vast, these innovations also raise important questions about data privacy, human-AI relationships, and the ethical implications of such immersive technology. 

As AI continues to evolve and become a more integral part of everyday life, the balance between its benefits and the concerns it may generate will undoubtedly shape the future of AI integration across industries. Microsoft and its competitors remain at the forefront of this technological revolution, striving to create tools that are not only functional but also responsive to the evolving needs of users in a rapidly changing digital world.
Read more »
Vulnerabilities and Exploits
Black hat Copilot Threat Management User Security Vulnerabilities and Exploits

Researchers Demonstrate How Attackers Can Exploit Microsoft Copilot

 

Security researcher Michael Bargury revealed serious flaws in Microsoft Copilot during the recent Black Hat USA conference, demonstrating how hackers might be able to use this AI-powered tool for malicious purposes. This revelation highlights the urgent need for organisations to rethink their security procedures when implementing AI technology such as Microsoft Copilot. 

Bargury's presentation highlighted numerous ways in which hackers could use Microsoft Copilot to carry out cyberattacks. One of the most significant findings was the use of Copilot plugins to install backdoors in other users' interactions, allowing data theft and AI-driven social engineering attacks.

Hackers can use Copilot's capabilities to discreetly search for and retrieve sensitive data, bypassing standard security measures that focus on file and data protection. This is accomplished via modifying Copilot's behaviour using prompt injections, which alter the AI's responses to fit the hacker's goals. 

One of the most concerning parts of this issue is its ability to enable AI-powered social engineering attacks. Hackers can utilise Copilot to generate convincing phishing emails or change discussions to trick victims into disclosing sensitive information. This capability emphasises the importance of robust safety protocols in combating cybercriminals' sophisticated techniques.

To demonstrate these flaws, Bargury created a red-teaming program called "LOLCopilot." This tool allows ethical hackers to simulate attacks and better understand the possible vulnerabilities posed by Copilot. LOLCopilot runs on any Microsoft 365 Copilot-enabled tenant with default configurations, allowing ethical hackers to investigate how Copilot might be abused for data exfiltration and phishing attacks while leaving no traces in system logs. 

The demonstration at Black Hat showed that Microsoft Copilot's default security settings are insufficient to avoid such vulnerabilities. The tool's ability to access and handle enormous amounts of data carries significant risk, especially if permissions are not properly updated. To mitigate these threats, organisations should establish robust security policies such as frequent security assessments, multi-factor authentication, and strict role-based access limits.

Furthermore, organisations must educate their staff on the risks associated with AI tools such as Copilot and have extensive incident response policies. Companies can better protect themselves from the misuse of AI technologies by strengthening security procedures and developing a safety-conscious culture.
Read more »
Technology
ChatGPT Copilot Gemini AI Gen AI Technology

AI Minefield: Risks of Gen AI in Your Personal Sphere

AI Minefield: Risks of Gen AI in Your Personal Sphere

Many customers are captivated by Gen AI, employing new technologies for a variety of personal and corporate purposes. 

However, many people ignore the serious privacy implications.

Is Generative AI all sunshine and rainbows?

Consumer AI products, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, Microsoft Copilot software, and the new Apple Intelligence, are widely available and growing. However, the programs have various privacy practices in terms of how they use and retain user data. In many circumstances, users are unaware of how their data is or may be utilized.

This is where being an informed consumer becomes critical. According to Jodi Daniels, chief executive and privacy expert of Red Clover Advisors, which advises businesses on privacy issues, the granularity of what you can regulate varies depending on the technology. Daniels explained that there is no uniform opt-out for all technologies.

Privacy concerns

The rise of AI technologies, and their incorporation into so much of what customers do on their personal computers and cellphones, makes these problems much more pressing. A few months ago, for example, Microsoft introduced its first Surface PCs with a dedicated Copilot button on the keyboard for rapid access to the chatbot, fulfilling a promise made several months previously. 

Apple, for its part, presented its AI vision last month, which centered around numerous smaller models that operate on the company's devices and chips. Company officials have spoken publicly about the significance of privacy, which can be an issue with AI models.

Here are many approaches for consumers to secure their privacy in the new era of generative AI.

1. Use opt-outs provided by OpenAI and Google

Each generation AI tool has its own privacy policy, which may include opt-out choices. Gemini, for example, lets customers choose a retention time and erase certain data, among other activity limits.

ChatGPT allows users to opt out of having their data used for model training. To do so, click the profile symbol in the bottom-left corner of the page and then pick Data Controls from the Settings header. They must then disable the feature labeled "Improve the model for everyone." According to a FAQ on OpenAI's website, if this is disabled, fresh talks will not be utilized to train ChatGPT's models.

2. Opt-in, but for good reasons

Companies are incorporating modern AI into personal and professional solutions, like as Microsoft Copilot. Opt-in only for valid reasons. Copilot for Microsoft 365, for example, integrates with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to assist users with activities such as analytics, idea development, and organization.

Microsoft claims that it does not share consumer data with third parties without permission, nor does it utilize customer data to train Copilot or other AI features without consent. 

Users can, however, opt in if they like by logging into the Power Platform admin portal, selecting settings, and tenant settings, and enabling data sharing for Dynamics 365 Copilot and Power Platform Copilot AI Features. They facilitate data sharing and saving.

3. Gen AI search: Setting retention period

Consumers may not think much before seeking information using AI, treating it like a search engine to create information and ideas. However, looking for specific types of information utilizing gen AI might be intrusive to a person's privacy, hence there are best practices for using such tools. Hoffman-Andrews recommends setting a short retention period for the generation AI tool. 

And, if possible, erase chats once you've gathered the desired information. Companies still keep server logs, but they can assist lessen the chance of a third party gaining access to your account, he explained. It may also limit the likelihood of sensitive information becoming part of the model training. "It really depends on the privacy settings of the particular site."

Read more »
Windows Hello
AI technology Copilot Cyber Security data security Edge Browser Microsoft Microsoft Copilot Privacy Concerns Windows 11 Recall Windows Hello

Microsoft Revises AI Feature After Privacy Concerns

 

Microsoft is making changes to a controversial feature announced for its new range of AI-powered PCs after it was flagged as a potential "privacy nightmare." The "Recall" feature for Copilot+ was initially introduced as a way to enhance user experience by capturing and storing screenshots of desktop activity. However, following concerns that hackers could misuse this tool and its saved screenshots, Microsoft has decided to make the feature opt-in. 

"We have heard a clear signal that we can make it easier for people to choose to enable Recall on their Copilot+ PC and improve privacy and security safeguards," said Pavan Davuluri, corporate vice president of Windows and Devices, in a blog post on Friday. The company is banking on artificial intelligence (AI) to drive demand for its devices. Executive vice president Yusuf Medhi, during the event's keynote speech, likened the feature to having photographic memory, saying it used AI "to make it possible to access virtually anything you have ever seen on your PC." 

The feature can search through a user's past activity, including files, photos, emails, and browsing history. While many devices offer similar functionalities, Recall's unique aspect was its ability to take screenshots every few seconds and search these too. Microsoft claimed it "built privacy into Recall’s design" from the beginning, allowing users control over what was captured—such as opting out of capturing certain websites or not capturing private browsing on Microsoft’s browser, Edge. Despite these assurances, the company has now adjusted the feature to address privacy concerns. 

Changes will include making Recall an opt-in feature during the PC setup process, meaning it will be turned off by default. Users will also need to use Windows' "Hello" authentication process to enable the tool, ensuring that only authorized individuals can view or search their timeline of saved activity. Additionally, "proof of presence" will be required to access or search through the saved activity in Recall. These updates are set to be implemented before the launch of Copilot+ PCs on June 18. The adjustments aim to provide users with a clearer choice and enhanced control over their data, addressing the potential privacy risks associated with the feature. 

Microsoft's decision to revise the Recall feature underscores the importance of user feedback and the company's commitment to privacy and security. By making Recall opt-in and incorporating robust authentication measures, Microsoft seeks to balance innovation with the protection of user data, ensuring that AI enhancements do not compromise privacy. As AI continues to evolve, these safeguards are crucial in maintaining user trust and mitigating the risks associated with advanced data collection technologies.
Read more »
Vulnerabilities and Exploits
AI image generation Copilot image generation models Microsoft Microsoft Copilot Vulnerabilities and Exploits

Microsoft Employee Raises Alarms Over Copilot Designer and Urges Government Intervention

 

Shane Jones, a principal software engineering manager at Microsoft, has sounded the alarm about the safety of Copilot Designer, a generative AI tool introduced by the company in March 2023. 

His concerns have prompted him to submit a letter to both the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Microsoft's board of directors, calling for an investigation into the text-to-image generator. Jones's apprehension revolves around Copilot Designer's unsettling capacity to generate potentially inappropriate images, spanning themes such as explicit content, violence, underage drinking, and drug use, as well as instances of political bias and conspiracy theories. 

Beyond highlighting these concerns, he has emphasized the critical need to educate the public, especially parents and educators, about the associated risks, particularly in educational settings where the tool may be utilized. Despite Jones's persistent efforts over the past three months to address the issue internally at Microsoft, the company has not taken action to remove Copilot Designer from public use or implement adequate safeguards. His recommendations, including the addition of disclosures and adjustments to the product's rating on the Android app store, were not implemented by the tech giant. 

Microsoft responded to the concerns raised by Jones, assuring its commitment to addressing employee concerns within the framework of company policies. The company expressed appreciation for efforts aimed at enhancing the safety of its technology. However, the situation underscores the internal challenges companies may face in balancing innovation with the responsibility of ensuring their technologies are safe and ethical. 

This incident isn't the first time Jones has spoken out about AI safety concerns. Despite facing pressure from Microsoft's legal team, Jones persisted in voicing his concerns, even extending his efforts to communicate with US senators about the broader risks associated with AI safety. The case of Copilot Designer adds to the ongoing scrutiny of AI technologies in the tech industry. Google recently paused access to its image generation feature on Gemini, its competitor to OpenAI's ChatGPT, after facing complaints about historically inaccurate images involving race. 

DeepMind, Google's AI division, reassured users that the feature would be reinstated after addressing the concerns and ensuring responsible use of the technology. As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into various aspects of our lives, incidents like the one involving Copilot Designer highlight the imperative for vigilant oversight and ethical considerations in AI development and deployment. The intersection of innovation and responsible AI use remains a complex landscape that necessitates collaboration between tech companies, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to ensure the ethical and safe evolution of AI technologies.
Read more »
Technology
AI Chatbots Bing Chat Chatbot ChatGPT Copilot Microsoft Microsoft Copilot Technology

Bing Chat Rebrands to ‘Copilot’: What is New?


Bing Chat has been renamed as ‘Copilot,’ according to an announcement made during Microsoft Ignite 2023.

But, is the name change the only new thing the users will be introduced with? The answer could be a little ambiguous. 

What is New with Bing Chat (now Copilot)? Honestly, there are no significant changes in Copilot, previously called Bing Chat. “Refinement” might be a more appropriate term to characterize Microsoft's perplexing activities. Let's examine three modifications that Microsoft made to its AI chatbot.

Here, we are listing some of these refinements:

1. A New Home

Copilot, then Bing Chat, now has its own standalone webpage. One can access this webpage at https://copilot.microsoft.com

This means that the user will no longer be required to visit Bing in order to access Microsoft’s AI chat experience. One can simply visit the aforementioned webpage, without Bing Search and other services interfering with your experience. Put differently, it has become much more "ChatGPT-like" now. 

Notably, however, the link seems to only function with desktop versions of Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. 

2. A Minor Makeover

While Microsoft has made certain visual changes in the rebranded Bing Chat, they are however insignificant. 

This new version has smaller tiles but still has the same prompts: Write, Create, Laugh, Code, Organize, Compare, and Travel.

However, the users can still choose the conversation style, be it Creative, Balanced and Precise. The only big change, as mentioned before, is the new name (Copilot) and the tagline: "Your everyday AI companion." 

Though the theme colour switched from light blue to an off-white, the user interface is largely the same.

Users can access DALLE-3 and GPT-4 for free with Bing Chat, which is now called Copilot. But in order to utilize Copilot on platforms like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other widely used productivity tools, users will have to pay a membership fee for what Microsoft refers to as "Copilot for Microsoft 365."

3. Better Security for Enterprise Users

With Copilot, users can access DALLE-3 and GPT-4 for free. But in order to utilize Copilot on platforms like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other widely used productivity tools, users will have to pay a membership fee for what Microsoft refers to as "Copilot for Microsoft 365."

This way, users who have had a Bing Chat Enterprise account, or pay for a Microsoft 365 license, will get an additional benefit of more data protection./ Copilot will be officially launched on December 1. 

What Stayed the Same? 

Microsoft plans to gradually add commercial data protection for those who do not pay. However, Copilot currently stores information from your interactions and follows the same data policy as the previous version of Bing Chat for free users. Therefore, the name and domain change is the only difference for casual, non-subscribing Bing Chat users. OpenAI's GPT-4 and DALL-E 3 models are still available, but users need to be careful about sharing too much personal data with the chatbot.

In summary, there is not much to be excited about for free users: Copilot is the new name for Bing Chat, and it has a new home.  

Read more »
Technology
AI Assistant AI Chatbot AI-powered tool Copilot Microsoft Microsoft 365 Microsoft Copilot Technology

Microsoft Copilot: New AI Chatbot can Attend Meetings for Users


A ChatGPT-style AI chatbot, developed by Microsoft will now help online users summarize their Teams meetings by drafting emails, and creating Word documents, spreadsheet graphs, and PowerPoint presentations in very little time. 

Microsoft introduced Copilot – its workplace assistant – earlier this year, labelling the product as a “copilot for work.”

Copilot which will be made available for the users from November 1, will be integrated to the subscribers of Microsoft 365 apps such as Word, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint – with a subscription worth $30 per user/month.

Additionally, as part of the new service, employees at companies who use Microsoft's Copilot could theoretically send their AI helpers to meetings in their place, allowing them to miss or double-book appointments and focus on other tasks.

‘Busywork That Bogs Us Down’

With businesses including General Motors, KPMG, and Goodyear, Microsoft has been testing Copilot, which assists users with tasks like email writing and coding. Early feedback from those companies has revealed that it is used to swiftly respond to emails and inquire about meetings. 

According to Jared Spataro, corporate vice president of modern work and business applications at Microsoft, “[Copilot] combines the power of large language models (LLMs) with your data…to turn your words into the most powerful productivity tool on the planet,” he said in a March blog post. 

Spataro promised that the technology would “lighten the load” for online users, stating that for many white-collar workers, “80% of our time is consumed with busywork that bogs us down.”

For many office workers, this so-called "busywork" includes attending meetings. According to a recent British study, office workers waste 213 hours annually, or 27 full working days, in meetings where the agenda could have been communicated by email.

Companies like Shopify are deliberately putting a stop to pointless meetings. When the e-commerce giant introduced an internal "cost calculator" for staff meetings, it made headlines during the summer. According to corporate leadership, each 30-minute meeting costs the company between $700 and $1,600.

Copilot will now help in reducing this expense. The AI assistant's services include the ability to "follow" meetings and produce a transcript, summary, and notes once they are over.

Microsoft, in July, noted that “the next wave of generative AI for Teams,” which included incorporating Copilot further into Teams calls and meetings.

“You can also ask Copilot to draft notes for you during the call and highlight key points, such as names, dates, numbers, and tasks using natural language commands[…]You can quickly synthesize key information from your chat threads—allowing you to ask specific questions (or use one of the suggested prompts) to help get caught up on the conversation so far, organize key discussion points, and summarize information relevant to you,” the company noted.

In regard to the same, Spataro states that “Every meeting is a productive meeting with Copilot in Teams[…]It can summarize key discussion points—including who said what and where people are aligned and where they disagree—and suggest action items, all in real-time during a meeting.

However, Microsoft is not the only tech giant working on making meeting tolerant, as Zoom and Google have also introduced AI-powered chatbots for the online workforce that can attend meetings on behalf of the user, and present its conclusions during the get-together.  

Read more »
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)