I rarely utilize my Microsoft Copilot subscription, yet I believe it has its value.
Microsoft 365 in Daily Life
Understanding Subscription Value
If you have a subscription to a service, you might find yourself constantly questioning whether it’s worth the cost. Many of us are familiar with holding onto subscriptions for streaming services or gym memberships that we haven’t utilized in a long time. For me, the focus is on my Microsoft 365 subscription, which recently increased in price due to the addition of new Copilot+ features.
Microsoft 365 is one of those tools you may not fully appreciate until you rely on it. It’s easy to overlook just how useful it can be. I have been paying for this subscription for years, primarily using only a few applications and features.
My Everyday Use of Microsoft 365
One of the primary ways I leverage Microsoft 365 is through the Read Aloud feature in Word. This tool helps me catch mistakes that I might overlook when reading my articles silently. Even without AI integration, Microsoft 365 offers powerful applications. Many people, especially from older generations, might remember Clippy as their go-to virtual assistant rather than the sophisticated features available today.
Magic in Features
Microsoft 365 shines when its features are used effectively. For example, I recently created a digital signature in Word by scanning a handwritten note and then editing it with the text wrap and transparency options. Mastering these features creates competency in Microsoft 365 and is often a skill that enhances productivity in various fields.
While Copilot+ continues to evolve, Microsoft is promoting its suite of tools and new AI functionalities. It’s now commonplace to hear about ongoing advancements in this area. However, I tend to compartmentalize AI functions, focusing more on my requirements as a journalist, which heavily relies on original writing.
I first subscribed to Microsoft 365 to assist a family member heading to college, expecting that they might need help with assignments. After those plans changed, I decided to keep the subscription for my work-related needs. This choice allowed me to explore and test out many features as they became available, including Teams and Designer tools, ultimately settling into a routine with the Read Aloud function.
AI as an External Resource
As a technology reporter, I often seek alternatives to Microsoft’s built-in AI features. I am accustomed to using various third-party apps for AI functionalities, bypassing integration with my main productivity tools. For example, I utilize the web-based version of Microsoft Copilot to access its "Think Deeper" function, which employs advanced reasoning models typically found in ChatGPT Pro. The significant cost of a ChatGPT subscription is not something I am willing to bear.
When I work within my word processor, I prefer concentrating solely on my writing. I often overlook the Copilot+ feature in Microsoft Word because I tend to operate mostly in the Review section where the Read Aloud option is located. This separation can lead to missing out on AI functionalities.
Using alternatives like Google Workspace often presents a more approachable AI interface; I notice the Gemini icon more prominently, but even then, I use external web tools for research and other needs.
Experimenting with Gemini
Recently, I tried the Rephrase Tool in Google Workspace. While it sometimes suggested synonyms, the results were often limited and not as useful as I’d hoped. Turning to Google search provided a wider array of options quickly, allowing me to maintain my writing momentum without significant interruptions.
Discovering Copilot+ Potential
Outside of Microsoft 365, I manage a collection of notes in Microsoft Notes where I store links, drafts, and ideas. Copilot+ has made upgrades to Notes that could streamline my workflow significantly. For instance, the ability to search with Bing would simplify accessing links without constantly switching to a web browser.
Despite not actively utilizing all of Copilot+’s features, I find Microsoft 365 beneficial for my specific use cases. When I need it, the tools are readily available, adding value to my writing process without feeling overwhelming.
As I contemplate the future of my subscription, I am looking to downgrade from a family plan to a personal plan, given that the current cost feels excessive for my usage priorities.
