Microsoft Copilot Offers Email Writing Assistance in Outlook for a Fee

Microsoft India recently held the Café Copilot event, showcasing the capabilities of its new generative AI chatbot. This advanced tool, designed to enhance both personal and professional tasks, was demonstrated to highlight its diverse features and benefits.

The event highlighted how Copilot can assist in various functions, including real-time transcription, intelligent email management, data analysis, and more.

Features of Copilot in Outlook

One of the standout features presented was Copilot’s integration with Outlook. This AI-powered assistant offers several functionalities aimed at improving email communication.

For example, it helps users write professional emails by suggesting improvements to tone, clarity, and sentiment. With Copilot, users can draft emails and have them refined with just a tap on the Copilot icon in the toolbar.

Enhanced Email Writing Experience

During the Café Copilot demonstration, I experienced firsthand how Copilot enhances email writing. For instance, when I drafted an email inquiring about a delayed video, Copilot transformed it into a more polished and professional message. Initially written as: “Why is my video delayed? It was supposed to be completed by 12:00 PM today.

How long will it take to be edited?” Copilot improved it to: “I wanted to reach out to you regarding the delay in the editing of our video. As you may know, it was supposed to be completed by 12 PM today, but it seems that we are still in the editing process.

Could you please provide me with an update on the hold-up and a revised timeline as soon as possible? Your prompt response would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.”

Additionally, Copilot can adjust the tone of an email. For a softer approach, it revised the email to: “I hope this email finds you well. I'm writing to you about the editing of our video. I know you've been working hard on it, and I appreciate your efforts. I just wanted to check in with you and see how it's going. Do you have an estimate of when it will be finished? I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you. Please let me know if you need any help or support from me. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.”

Summarization and Personalization

Copilot also excels in summarizing lengthy emails and conversations, providing concise and relevant information. As it learns from user interactions, it offers increasingly personalized assistance, adapting to individual work patterns and preferences.

Subscription Cost for Copilot

While Copilot’s features are impressive, access to them is not free. Users need to subscribe to the Copilot for Microsoft 365 plan, which costs $30 per user per month or $360 for an annual subscription. Despite the cost, the benefits of Copilot in managing emails and enhancing productivity can be highly valuable for busy professionals.

Conclusion

Overall, Microsoft Copilot significantly simplifies email management within Outlook. Its ability to refine email drafts, adjust tones, and provide summaries makes it a powerful tool for professionals. While the subscription fee may be a consideration, the efficiency and professionalism it brings to email communication can justify the investment.