Microsoft’s Copilot Tasks AI uses its own computer to get things done
Microsoft is previewing a new AI system, Copilot Tasks, that it says is designed to take care of your work in the background, the company announced Thursday. The feature relieves your device by using its own cloud-based computer and browser, allowing it to handle a variety of tasks from scheduling appointments to generating study plans while you do other things.
As Microsoft noted, you can describe what you need for copilot tasks using natural language and assign copilot tasks to perform tasks on a recurring, scheduled, or one-off basis. Copilot Tasks will provide a report once its work is complete.
You can use Copilot Tasks to organize your subscriptions and cancel those you don’t use, as well as turn emails, attachments, and images in your inbox into a slideshow. Some other use cases include having the AI assistant pop up urgent emails and draft replies, plan a birthday party from venue to invitations; and keep an eye out for new apartment listings every Friday, and even arrange home visits.
Microsoft says Tasks will ask for permission before taking “meaningful actions” like making a payment or sending a message for you. For now, Copilot Tasks is only available in a research preview with a “small group” of testers. You can join a waitlist for Copilot tasks from the Microsoft website.
