Microsoft’s focus on artificial intelligence (AI) has taken a toll on its core products, including Windows. Current and former employees have expressed frustration with the company’s confusing branding and lack of cohesion between its AI-powered services. Data shows that only a small percentage of enterprise customers prefer using Copilot, which is losing ground to competitors like Google and OpenAI.
The issue lies in Microsoft’s multiple versions of Copilot, each catering to different customers: general consumers, programmers, and enterprises. This has led to user confusion and frustration, with many feeling forced to use the chatbot despite not wanting to. Analysts report that companies are only using a fraction of their paid Copilot subscriptions, citing issues with integration and compatibility.
In contrast, Microsoft’s internal adoption rate for AI has seen significant growth, particularly within its sales organization, where over 70% of employees now use Copilot. However, this development comes as investors question the company’s ballooning AI spending, which saw a stock price plummet last week after the release of its latest quarterly earnings.
Despite the challenges, Microsoft remains committed to its AI-first vision, with CEO Satya Nadella boasting that over 25% of the company’s code is written using AI. The survey findings only add to investor uncertainty, highlighting the need for Microsoft to reassess its approach and prioritize user experience over aggressive spending on AI development.
Source: https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/microsoft-ai-efforts-faceplanting