Tech giant Microsoft (MSFT) seems to be walking back its connection to Copilot, perhaps after realizing that artificial intelligence (AI) really does not need to be a part of absolutely everything after all. In fact, the Copilot button has been removed from Notepad, reports note, suggesting that Microsoft is indeed pulling back. This did not sit well with investors, who registered their distaste by sending shares down fractionally in Friday’s trading.
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The removal of Copilot from Notepad—basically a low-grade text app—makes a certain amount of sense. And there are some out there watching to see if this is just a small concession to reality or if Microsoft is looking at a larger pivot away from AI. Several other apps are also in line to get Copilot removed, including Widgets, Snipping Tool, and Photos.
The lost Copilot button has been replaced with a “writing tools” menu instead, reports note. Not everyone is seeing these changes right now, rather, Windows Insiders getting the latest versions of the apps are seeing the changes hit. Regardless of the reason, this is still something of a black eye for Microsoft, which put a lot of stock into an AI-driven future.
Listening to the Fanbase, Part 2
Yesterday, we heard that Xbox’s new boss, Asha Sharma, was putting together listening parties to figure out just what it was regular users wanted to see in Xbox. This led to some changes in the achievements system, which were regarded as welcome. Now, someone else is trying this strategy out, as engineer Bill Ridmann is turning to Xbox players to find out what they want.
Ridmann, an engineer since 2005, took to X to note, “We are rocking and rolling on bringing new Xbox console features! What do you all want added?” Just asking proved welcome enough for some, as the post had over 2,000 likes at one point. One suggestion from Xbox commentator Jez Corden called for Xbox to add its own Platinum trophy, a trophy for completing a game to 100% status. Another suggestion called for a return to the Xbox 360 interface.
Is Microsoft a Buy, Hold or Sell?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating on MSFT stock based on 35 Buys and three Holds assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 3.96% loss in its share price over the past year, the average MSFT price target of $580.84 per share implies 56.48% upside potential.
