TL;DR
- Copilot plugins enhance your AI chatbot experience with third-party functionality
- Enable up to three plugins at a time for personalised assistance
- Use plugins for various tasks, from grocery shopping to travel planning
Discover the Hidden Potential of Copilot Plugins
Microsoft’s AI chatbot, Copilot, is marketed as your “everyday AI companion.” While it comes with built-in generative AI features, the true power of Copilot lies in its plugins. These third-party add-ons provide extra functionality and enhance your AI conversations. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore what Copilot plugins are, how to use them, and the best plugins available for a more personalised AI experience.
What Are Copilot Plugins?
Copilot plugins function similarly to browser extensions, offering additional features not included by Microsoft. By enabling these plugins, you can enhance your AI companion’s capabilities and tailor it to your needs.
Accessing and Enabling Copilot Plugins
To access Copilot’s plugins, sign in to your Microsoft account on a Chromium-based browser like Chrome or Edge. Once logged in, you’ll see the Plugins menu to the right of Chats. Click on it to reveal eight plugin options (seven if you’re on iOS).
Top Copilot Plugins for a Personalised Experience
Here are some of the best plugins to enhance your Copilot experience:
- Search: Enables Copilot to search the web for information.
- Instacart: Helps with cooking-related questions, recipes, meal plans, and grocery orders.
- Kayak: Assists with travel and accommodation queries based on your budget.
- Klarna: Compares prices on items from thousands of stores across the web.
- OpenTable: Searches for nearby restaurants and helps make reservations.
- Phone: Connects Copilot to your Android phone for text messaging and contact management.
- Shop: Aggregates shopping results from different stores using Shop.
- Suno: Generates AI-powered music through Suno.
Limitations and Privacy Concerns
While Copilot plugins offer numerous benefits, there are some limitations. You can have up to three plugins enabled at once, and you cannot switch between plugins during a conversation. Additionally, using plugins shares your data with the companies behind them, raising potential privacy concerns.
How to Use Copilot Plugins
To use a plugin, simply call it out in your response, such as “Use Suno to generate a rock song about AI.” Copilot will utilise the specified plugin, and you’ll see its logo above the response. Some plugins may require you to click through to the company’s website for further actions, such as booking a hotel or learning more about a product.
Maximising Your Copilot Experience
To get the most out of your AI companion, consider the following tips:
- Choose plugins based on your needs: Select plugins that align with your daily tasks and interests.
- Start a new conversation to switch plugins: If you want to use a different plugin, start a new conversation by clicking the “New topic” button.
- Be aware of data sharing: Remember that using plugins shares your data with the respective companies. Use them responsibly and be mindful of your privacy.
What’s your favourite Copilot plugin, and how has it improved your AI chatbot experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments.
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