Microsoft 365 Copilot is back! Copilot rebranded.

Introduction

Recently, reports have surfaced suggesting that Microsoft is planning to simplify its naming conventions around its AI products that have been previously dubbed "Copilot." The convoluted naming scheme that introduced us to variants such as Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365, as well as Microsoft Copilot with Graph Grounded Chat, might soon become a thing of the past. While various outlets have picked up on this story, Microsoft has yet to confirm the validity of these rumors. Nevertheless, it's worth examining what these potential changes mean for users of Copilot.

A Quick Introduction

My name is Nick Dorsi, the owner of Bright Ideas Agency, a digital transformation consulting firm catering to the needs of small businesses. Additionally, I authored "Who's in the Copilot Seat," a guide for small and medium-sized business leaders on how to adopt AI technology. Check out the links below if you’re interested in learning more.

In March 2023, Microsoft unveiled what I called a game-changer for productivity, initially branded as Microsoft 365 Copilot—"your copilot for work." Fast forward 18 months, and discussions are back to the name Microsoft 365 Copilot, as the product was previously known. Amidst this confusion, the name changes didn’t resonate with users as expected. The term “Microsoft Copilot” became somewhat of a missed opportunity for clarity and engagement.

A Closer Look at Naming and Branding

One of the major pitfalls associated with Microsoft’s naming updates is that they failed to generate real interest. Discussions in the community revolved less around whether it should be "Microsoft Copilot" or "Microsoft 365 Copilot" and more about what “Copilot” even means across the range of products and services offered.

Notably, Microsoft is allegedly rebranding "Microsoft Copilot with Graph Grounded Chat" to "Business Chat." This name change makes sense, but it brings up the question of what new, if anything, it offers.

The overarching issue is that the name "Copilot" has been diluted across many platforms and tools, leading to confusion for users. If every product is labeled as a "Copilot," then the brand loses its value and meaning. This muddles the perception of what each product can genuinely deliver.

The Positive Shift Towards Cohesion

The most significant takeaway from these proposed changes is the possibility of Microsoft returning to a singular focus on Microsoft 365. This notion could restore the original idea of Copilot as a contextual, assistive tool across all Microsoft 365 applications.

Clients have offered two main pieces of feedback about Copilot, both independent of its name. Firstly, the product doesn’t entirely deliver on all the promises made, which has hindered its adoption. Secondly, the complexity of using multiple “Copilot” features across different apps creates a steep learning curve for users.

Returning to a unified naming scheme could potentially streamline the experience, improving user clarity across Microsoft 365 applications. However, Microsoft must ensure that the term “Copilot” does not become a catch-all moniker for any AI-related feature. This could dilute its significance and usability.

Conclusion

In summary, Microsoft has an opportunity to rectify branding missteps and refocus its AI capabilities. A more coherent branding strategy could enhance user adoption and satisfaction. Simplifying names while genuine integration across their suite could guide users towards better leveraging these AI solutions.

If you would like to learn more about optimizing the adoption of AI tools, please check out my links below, where you will find resources including my currently free AI adoption course for executives.

Keywords

Microsoft 365 Copilot
Rebranding
AI Technology
Digital Transformation
User Experience
Naming Conventions
Business Chat

FAQ

Q: What changes are expected regarding Microsoft Copilot?
A: Microsoft is reportedly considering simplifying its naming conventions and returning focus to Microsoft 365 Copilot as a singular product.

Q: Why is Microsoft rebranding Copilot?
A: The goal appears to be enhancing clarity and user engagement, as the previous naming scheme led to confusion across various products.

Q: What issues have users reported with Copilot?
A: Users have noted that Copilot does not fully deliver on promises made and that the complexity of multiple iterations makes adoption challenging.

Q: What will the new name for Graph Grounded Chat be?
A: It is rumored to be rebranded as "Business Chat."

Q: How can I learn more about adopting AI technologies?
A: You can check out the free AI adoption course for executives and other resources linked in the article.