Here's a detailed overview of Microsoft Copilot Vision—now available to Windows users—and how it compares to Google Gemini Live, along with key features, privacy controls, and rollout information:
What is Copilot Vision?
Copilot Vision is Microsoft's latest AI-powered feature integrated into the Copilot app for Windows 10 and 11. It acts as a screen-aware, real-time digital assistant that can "see" (with user permission) and interpret selected app windows or browser tabs on your desktop. This means Copilot can respond based on what is visually present, offering proactive help, contextual insights, and step-by-step guidance for tasks across applications.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Visual Assistance: Copilot Vision can analyze and interact with up to two shared app windows at once, offering context-sensitive help (e.g., summarizing a PDF while you draft an email).
- Interactive Guidance: "Show Me How" highlights workflow steps, relevant UI features, or troubleshooting advice directly on your chosen app window.
- Multitasking Boost: Facilitates advanced multitasking by assisting across two apps simultaneously.
- Voice & Text Commands: Engage with Copilot via natural language for workflow help, content descriptions, and more.
- Accessibility: Offers live visual explanations and reading out steps for users with visual or cognitive needs.
- No Additional Cost: The feature is free for Windows users; no Copilot Pro or paid subscription required at launch.
- Strictly Opt-In: Copilot Vision is only active when you explicitly share a window or app. There is no background or passive screen monitoring.
- Granular Control: You choose what (if anything) Copilot can “see,” and can stop sharing at any moment.
- Ephemeral Data Processing: Copilot only processes data in active sessions. Content is not stored for future training and is deleted after the session ends.
- Compliance: Utilizes encryption (TLS for transit, BitLocker for storage), and complies with international standards like ISO 27001/27018 and U.S. privacy regulations; GDPR/EU launch will take longer due to stricter privacy laws.
- Currently US-Only: Copilot Vision is available for all Windows 10 and 11 users in the United States (no Pro subscription needed). Expansion to non-European regions is planned, but no specific EU timeline yet, given tougher privacy requirements.
- Uses Microsoft's Florence-2 multimodal model, allowing it to efficiently interpret diverse visual and workflow scenarios.
- Works on Windows desktop, iOS, and Android (for mobile screen/context assistance).
- Initial compatibility is best for major Microsoft and popular third-party apps; some niche apps may have limited context awareness at launch.
- Platform: Gemini Live is for Android, whereas Copilot Vision is built into Windows and augmented by Microsoft’s broader ecosystem.
- Dual-App Context: Copilot Vision supports simultaneous dual-app context (rare among competitors).
- Privacy: Both stress opt-in use and local processing, but implementation details and jurisdictional compliance may differ.
- Integration: Copilot Vision is closely tied with Office, Edge, and Windows-native utilities, while Gemini Live exists mostly within Google’s services and Android environment.
- Deep, real-time, cross-app workflow assistance.
- Powerful on-the-fly learning and accessibility support.
- Free and widely accessible—no Pro requirement.
- Any screen-sharing AI introduces transient privacy vulnerabilities while enabled. Session data isn't stored, but momentary access could be exploited by new attack vectors if the local device is compromised.
- Mixed support for niche/legacy software outside Microsoft's core app ecosystem.
- Cloud reliance for complex tasks still requires vigilant local device and account security.
In Summary:
Copilot Vision brings a new level of visual intelligence to desktop AI assistants, going beyond classic voice/text chatbots to offer a "second set of eyes” that can proactively help across your real workflow. Key distinctions are its strict opt-in design, dual-app context, and strong privacy boundaries—a direct response to recent privacy criticisms of other Microsoft features. It competes closely with Google’s Gemini Live, but is currently only available to US Windows users, with global expansion (except EU for now) expected soon.
For those concerned about privacy: Microsoft has reworked its approach, with explicit opt-in, visual-only-permission sharing, and enforcement of automatic data deletion post-session. Nonetheless, users in sensitive fields should stay informed and periodically review their privacy settings.
If you want setup instructions, troubleshooting tips, or a deep-dive into privacy settings, just let me know!
Source: News18 Microsoft Is Bringing Its ‘Gemini Live’ AI Feature For Windows Users: Know More About It
