Microsoft utilizes AI to revolutionize software tools with introduction of “Microsoft 365 Copilot” and “Microsoft Editor”

admin 2023年12月29日

Intermediate

science & technology, science & technology - intermediate

Pre-reading questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

Have you ever used any AI-powered tools or software in your daily life? If so, which ones?
How do you think AI tools can enhance productivity and efficiency in various tasks?

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

tool /tool/

[noun] – a device or implement used to carry out a particular function or task
In today’s digital age, a computer is an essential tool for many jobs.

summarization /suhm-uh-rahy-ZEY-shuhn/

[noun] – the act of making a summary or concise version of something, often a text or conversation
His summarization of the lengthy report helped the team understand the key points quickly.

akin /uh-KIN/

[adjective] – similar in nature, character, or quality; having a similar or related quality
John’s sense of humor is akin to his brother’s; they both make people laugh easily.

analyze /AN-l-ahyz/

[verb] – to examine in detail, typically for the purpose of understanding or interpreting data, information, or a situation
Scientists analyze data to draw meaningful conclusions from their experiments.

efficiency /ih-FISH-uhn-see/

[noun] – the quality of being able to accomplish a task with minimum waste of time, resources, or effort
The new manufacturing process improved efficiency and reduced production costs.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

Many companies, like Microsoft, are using the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their software. Microsoft, for example, has a tool called “Microsoft 365 Copilot” in Outlook. This tool is like a smart helper that uses AI to help you write better emails. It can make your messages shorter and free of mistakes. It doesn’t stop at emails, though. It can also summarize long email conversations. This makes it a useful tool for many tasks. If you have Microsoft 365 Personal or Family, you also get “Microsoft Editor.” It can make your writing clearer and more professional by suggesting changes.

Microsoft employs AI not only in emails but also in applications such as Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word, streamlining tasks like document editing, summarization, and content creation. This AI, akin to ChatGPT, accelerates work processes by generating meeting summaries, crafting Excel charts, and converting Word documents into PowerPoint presentations. Business users benefit from “Microsoft 365 Chat,” a personalized AI assistant that analyzes emails, meetings, chats, and files. Google and other tech firms are likewise integrating AI features into their products, highlighting the growing ubiquity of AI in software, enhancing efficiency, and delivering smarter tools for both personal and business needs.

Comprehension questions

I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.

How does Microsoft use AI in its software, such as Outlook and Microsoft 365 Copilot?
Can you provide an example of how “Microsoft 365 Copilot” can assist users in their email communication?
What are some of the specific tasks that AI, similar to ChatGPT, can help streamline in Microsoft’s applications?
Besides Microsoft, what other tech firms are mentioned in the article, and how are they incorporating AI into their products?
What is the key benefit of integrating AI features into software applications, as mentioned in the article?

Discussion questions