In the ever-evolving world of personal computing, the introduction of AI into operating systems has been nothing short of a revolution. With recent advancements, such as Apple's new Intelligence feature in macOS Sequoia, the age-old rivalry between Apple and Microsoft is heating up once again. As a diehard Windows user and someone who reviews PCs for a living, I’ve been diving into the experiences of using Windows Copilot since its launch in late 2023. Spoiler alert: it's not quite the smooth operator it aspires to be—especially when pitted against Apple's shiny new offering.
For example, when attempting to activate dark mode—a simple command on any user’s wish list—Apple’s assistant doesn’t just fumble around; it provides an immediate toggle prompt. Conversely, Windows Copilot's behavior has evolved into a frustrating affair that leaves users with more questions than answers, often defaulting to “no” and leaving users to scramble for alternatives.
So here’s a question for you: Are you ready to hop on the AI bandwagon, or would you rather wait for these features to mature before diving in? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: Tom's Guide I review PCs for a living, and Apple Intelligence is already better than Windows Copilot
Apple's Assertive Entry into AI
Launched just a year after Windows Copilot, Apple Intelligence has already made quite the impression. The author of the original article acknowledges that while both systems are inherently unfinished and have quirks that hinder their overall functionality, Apple seems to have taken the lead in building a more useful assistant. This is particularly evident in everyday tasks that most users perform regularly.For example, when attempting to activate dark mode—a simple command on any user’s wish list—Apple’s assistant doesn’t just fumble around; it provides an immediate toggle prompt. Conversely, Windows Copilot's behavior has evolved into a frustrating affair that leaves users with more questions than answers, often defaulting to “no” and leaving users to scramble for alternatives.
Functionality: The Key Player
When it comes to doing actual work, Apple Intelligence seems a step ahead. The article highlights the remarkable transcription feature that allows journalists (among others) to drag and drop audio files into Notes for automatic transcription. This feature, albeit imperfect, saves precious time that many of us would otherwise spend transcribing manually. In contrast, Windows Copilot is still trailing far behind in this regard, lacking any functionality for transcription or similar tasks.Creative Capabilities and Personal Touch
Creativity and photo editing are other areas where Apple Intelligence shines. Users can create stylized images or perform photo edits with relative ease. In contrast, Microsoft hasn’t yet integrated its AI tendencies into user-friendly graphical applications, leaving Windows Copilot stuck in a world of pure system commands, far from anything that brings a smile to a user’s face.Writing Tools: Accessibility Matters
Perhaps one of the most striking differentiators between the two assistants lies in their approach to writing assistance. Windows Copilot requires users to interact in a more cumbersome way, involving switching back and forth between various inputs and outputs. Apple’s approach is much more straightforward—simply select the text and use a context menu. It's like the difference between pulling teeth and a relaxing day at the spa.A Cautionary Reminder: Both Assistants Are Incomplete
Despite the apparent advantages that Apple Intelligence holds over Windows Copilot, it is important to remind ourselves that neither tool has locked down its full release version. As potent as capabilities seem now, they both share a common thread: the promise of potential yet to be fully realized. As both companies iron out the kinks, it remains to be seen whether Microsoft can elevate the Copilot from its current convoluted state.What Lies Ahead?
As we march into a future filled with the integration of AI into our everyday tools, the stakes are high. With Apple seeming to take the lead, Microsoft has its work cut out for it if it hopes to catch up. An AI that can streamline tasks, manage personal workflows, and take on the tedious aspects of computing can be transformative; however, it must be well-crafted to meet user expectations.So here’s a question for you: Are you ready to hop on the AI bandwagon, or would you rather wait for these features to mature before diving in? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Conclusion
With both companies promising exciting futures for their AI assistants, it’s an exciting time to be a PC user against the backdrop of an evolving digital landscape. As these tools develop, we’ll keep you posted on their progress and improvements. Until then, keep your options open and enjoy the ride!Source: Tom's Guide I review PCs for a living, and Apple Intelligence is already better than Windows Copilot
