Microsoft: AI Assistants Will Soon Be Everywherel

02.10.2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistants with advanced long-term memory are expected to be available within a year, according to Microsoft’s AI head, Mustafa Suleyman. In a BBC interview, Suleyman explained that these products, designed to remember conversations, projects, and issues, will encourage users to spend more time with them and share personal information. He noted that we’re entering a new era where persistent AI companions will play a significant role in daily life.

However, critics have raised concerns about data security, privacy, and the risks of AI providing biased or incorrect information. Supporters argue that these tools need to be deeply integrated into users’ lives to be truly effective, such as AI diary managers that need access to users’ schedules.

Suleyman acknowledged shifting privacy expectations, citing devices like TVs, laptops, and phones that already record continuously. He added that Microsoft’s heavy investment in AI, particularly through its partnership with OpenAI, positions the company as a market leader, though AI adoption might not reach the global scale of smartphones.

Despite potential risks, AI is the fastest-growing technology in history. Microsoft has introduced new features to its CoPilot AI assistant, including voice functions, a daily news digest, and CoPilot Vision, a tool that assists with web browsing but doesn’t store data.

Earlier this year, Microsoft paused the release of an AI tool called Recall due to privacy concerns, but it will relaunch in November with enhanced security measures.