Microsoft is reportedly urging its employees to adopt AI tools more aggressively, with a leaked internal memo suggesting that managers are now being asked to evaluate staff based on their use of AI. The memo, attributed to Julia Liuson, Corporate Vice President of the Developer Division, emphasizes that AI is now as essential to the job as communication or collaboration, stating, "Using AI is no longer optional."
This push appears to be part of Microsoft's broader effort to normalize and integrate its AI tools internally, likely to improve both the development and user experience of products like Copilot. However, critics see it as a sign that Microsoft is resorting to internal pressure tactics to boost adoption, especially as its AI offerings struggle to catch on widely among users.
Copilot, one of Microsoft’s flagship AI tools, has faced mixed reception. Its Recall feature, which captures screen activity to help users retrace their steps, sparked backlash over privacy concerns. Despite modifications and a delayed beta release, user trust remains shaky.
Compared to competitors like ChatGPT, which boasts around 400 million users, Copilot trails significantly with only about 33 million. Many users continue to favor other AI tools, citing reliability issues and interface preferences.
Moreover, some Windows 11 users feel that Microsoft is forcing AI tools onto them, with Copilot being installed by default. This has led to growing frustration and perceptions that Microsoft is prioritizing AI integration over user choice.
Critics argue that the company's insistence on AI, even internally, may stem from its struggle to convince everyday users of its benefits. While AI may indeed be transformative, its forced adoption risks alienating both employees and consumers.
Ultimately, Microsoft's approach reflects a broader industry trend of embedding AI into every aspect of digital work, but how this strategy plays out with users and employees alike remains to be seen.
