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I got my news briefing from Microsoft Copilot this morning, and I'd do it again
In its latest Copilot overhaul, Microsoft gave its AI assistant a much-needed facelift, including a cleaner user interface and exciting new features that help it better compete against popular alternatives like ChatGPT. My newfound favorite feature is Copilot Daily.
Also: You can test Microsoft’s experimental AI features in Copilot Labs now – but there’s a catch
Every morning, I catch up with the latest news as part of my daily routine. This often means checking the homepages of my favorite news outlets and reading up on the ones that most interest me. However, figuring out which sites and stories to read in a saturated media world can be challenging — Copilot Daily made it an easier experience this morning.
The feature, unveiled on Tuesday, summarizes the news and weather for you every morning and reads it to you in your favorite Copilot Voice, which sounds remarkably human.
You can listen to a segment of my daily briefing this morning below.
The stories that Copilot Voice reads are from Microsoft’s partners, which include reliable news sources such as Reuters, Axel Springer, Hearst Magazines, USA TODAY Network, and Financial Times. Like most news wire services, Copilot Daily’s content will be limited to news from its partners, which may be an inconvenience if you want perspectives outside the scope of the partnerships. Microsoft did add that more organizations will be coming in the future.
Also: Gemini Live is finally available for all Android phones – how to access it for free
The briefing is concise, about five minutes long, and features five stories, including some of the biggest headlines. For example, some of today’s stories included Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday, the US Vice Presidential debate, and the World Health Organization’s recommendations on protecting infants against RSV.
If you want to learn more about a story, you can click on the tag that says the media outlet’s name and then click on the story to open it up on the site and read it. You can also use the fast-forward icon at the bottom of the briefing to skip to the next story segment, which you can’t typically do with a news broadcast.
Even though five stories in five minutes wasn’t comprehensive, it was a good way to catch up on topline news, and I expect this feature to get more helpful over time.
Also: Copilot Voice beats Gemini Live and ChatGPT’s Voice Mode in one big way
Microsoft shared that it is working on ways for users to personalize the briefings and select from more personalization controls. I can also see the segments getting longer, growing into a more comprehensive news show as more partners join and the experience is developed further.
Accessing Copilot Daily is entirely free; you only need a Microsoft Account. The feature is rolling out to users, and I was able to access it from the Copilot iOS app.
