Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft Designer For All

Since the software giant launched Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) to consumers in 2013, Microsoft has steadily delivered new applications (apps), features and benefits to subscribers.  These include advanced security with Microsoft Defender, creative tools like Microsoft Clipchamp, and various enhancements to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook.

Now, Microsoft has announced that they are bringing Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft Designer to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers in most markets worldwide.  Their availability will vary by device / language, with features varying by platform.  Minimum age limits may apply to use some of the AI features, which will only be available to the subscription owner and cannot be shared.  Indeed, Copilot features in Outlook apply to accounts with @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, @live.com, or @msn.com email addresses and are available in Outlook.com, Outlook built into Windows, Outlook on Mac, and iOS and Android apps, but usage limits will apply.

Nonetheless, these changes bring the transformative power of AI to the personal productivity tools that millions of people use every day.

Most SumProduct readers here will be familiar with Copilot and what it brings to the melting pot, but Microsoft Designer is announced in this mix too.  This provides subscribers with the opportunity to undertake more image creation and editing than free users may.  In addition to accessing Designer within apps like Word and PowerPoint, you can also use the standalone Designer app on the web and mobile.  You may use Designer to create eye-catching images by simply describing what you’re looking for or choosing from pre-populated ideas.

Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers will receive a monthly allotment of AI credits to use Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote.  The credits can also be used for AI image generation and editing in Designer and in other AI-powered apps like Paint, Photos and Notepad on a device running Windows.  The monthly allotment should be enough for most subscribers.  For Microsoft 365 Family subscribers, Copilot will be available to the subscription owner and cannot be shared with others.  Those who frequently use Copilot can upgrade to Copilot Pro, without worrying about usage limits.

For those who are concerned, Microsoft is committed to giving their customers control over their experience and know there are times when AI assistance isn’t desired (like in some academic scenarios), so they have added settings in apps like Word, Excel and PowerPoint that allow you to disable or enable Copilot as needed.

There is a cost though: Microsoft 365 Personal and Family will increase in the US for the first time since its release by US$3 USD (visit your local store to see regional pricing), although it should be noted that existing subscribers won’t experience the price increase until their next renewal.

Copilot for all! 

As always, we'll be detailing these updates in our February newsletter.  Please remember we have virtual / online training in Excel which you can find out more about here.  If you are not already a subscriber, why not sign up at the bottom of any SumProduct web page?