How Microsoft AI is different to OpenAI – from browser integration to companionship

Microsoft is attempting to set itself apart from OpenAI by prioritizing the development of a truly personal and interactive AI companion, as highlighted in a recent interview with the company’s AI CEO, Mustafa Suleyman.

He shed light on Copilot Vision, first introduced in October, pointing out its emotional intelligence, integration with the Edge browser, and the ability to respond assertively, copying the dynamics of a real friendship.

Suleyman told the Rundown’s Rowan Cheung: “The main thing is that we’re really leaning into the idea of it being a proper companion. So just the fluency of our voice and how smooth it is, how fast it is, it’s very interruptible, very easy to talk to.”

How is Microsoft AI different to OpenAI?

While OpenAI has a partnership with Microsoft, which includes a multibillion dollar investment, the AI firm is said to remain an entirely independent company governed by the OpenAI Nonprofit.

Microsoft Edge

Suleyman explains that, unlike OpenAI, which operates within its own platform, Copilot Vision will be integrated directly into the Microsoft Edge browser. He added, “Edge having it [Vision], and being there with you all the time—able to watch, learn, and talk to you—is a really big differentiator.”

Companion

Copilot Vision is expected to behave like a real friend rather than a “yes man,” Suleyman revealed. He added: “When it occasionally pushes back on you, that’s a profound moment because a true friend would do that.

“No one wants a sycophantic AI that just always mirrors you and always obeys you. That’s not going to be interesting for very long.”

Last month, ReadWrite reported the CEO saying that in the future, AI will have “infinite memory.” He also believed that the ultimate role of the technology is to serve as “an amazing teacher,” “an amazing doctor,” and a companion in life. “That’s why it’s a copilot,” he said, stating that Microsoft AI’s Copilot project is designed to function as a “consigliere”—a wise advisor that empowers individuals to reach their full potential.

Emotional intelligence

Another aspect Copilot Vision is designed to bring to the table is its ability to express different moods. Suleyman describes the AI assistant as being capable of reflecting the user’s mood. He stated: “If you’re really dour and sad and you slow down the pace of your words, it will bring an appropriate vibe for that. But if you’re super fast and excited and enthusiastic, it will mirror that energy.“

Privacy

Vision is designed to be fully opt-in, giving users the choice to activate it as a second set of eyes while browsing the web. In addition, once a session with Vision ends, all data related to user input and shared context with Copilot is deleted. According to Microsoft’s blog, only Copilot’s responses are logged to improve its safety systems.

It is currently being rolled out to a limited number of Copilot Pro subscribers in the United States, through Copilot Labs. It will only work on a select set of websites initially but will expand access to more Pro subscribers and more websites over time.

Featured image: The Rundown via YouTube / Canva

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