For the past two years, there’s been a lot of buzz around artificial intelligence, and it’s easy to see why. We’ve seen a wide range of fascinating developments, from popular tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to amusing yet disastrous AI-generated videos. However, most of what we’ve experienced so far falls under the category of generative AI.
Generative AI creates content based on the inputs we provide, allowing us to produce or modify text, images, and more according to specific parameters. This was evident with the release of Copilot for Microsoft 365 last year and the new Copilot+PC, which, for many, felt underwhelming. But it seems there’s more to AI than just generative capabilities—new possibilities are emerging beyond what we’ve seen so far.
Microsoft shows the first uses of AI beyond content generation
Last week, Microsoft took a new direction, unveiling future features for Copilot+PC that focused less on generative AI and more on practical tools for users. Instead of just expanding on AI-generated content, Microsoft introduced functions designed to meet users’ everyday needs—features that might even drive people to purchase Copilot+PC.
For example, Microsoft Designer now allows users to create images from simple descriptions, making it easy to generate and edit visuals. While Paint’s recent updates are noteworthy, they don’t quite stand out.
What really shines is Microsoft’s introduction of Recall, which enhances security and improves Windows search. One of the most valuable additions is the ability to search for files using casual, everyday language—a feature that could greatly simplify tasks for many users.
Another upcoming feature, Click to Do, remains somewhat mysterious, but it appears to be an all-purpose AI assistant. The idea is that you can request nearly anything, and the AI will handle it. While this function raises some skepticism, it’s undeniably intriguing.
These new tools, powered by Microsoft’s 45 TOPS technology, suggest that the company is finally moving beyond generative AI and exploring broader, more practical applications.
