Microsoft Expands Copilot Capabilities, Rolls Out Cowork Tool

Microsoft has introduced new features for its Copilot research assistant, allowing users to employ multiple artificial intelligence models simultaneously within single workflows. This move represents the latest effort by the Big Tech organisation to enhance its AI offering and encourage greater adoption across its user base.

Credit: MICROSOFT

One new feature, named "Critique," enables Copilot's Researcher agent to draw outputs from both OpenAI's GPT and Anthropic's Claude models for each response. This contrasts with the previous method of relying on a single model for content generation.

Initially, GPT generates the primary response. Claude subsequently reviews this output for accuracy and overall quality before presenting it to the user. According to Microsoft, the company anticipates making this workflow bi-directional in the future. This would allow GPT to also review drafts produced by Claude.

But having diverse models from various vendors integrated into Copilot holds significant appeal. Nicole Herskowitz, corporate vice president of Microsoft 365 and Copilot, stated in an interview with Reuters that the organisation is advancing this integration. She indicated that customers would gain direct benefits from the models actively collaborating.

This multi-model strategy aims to accelerate user workflows, reduce instances of AI hallucinations, where systems generate factually incorrect information, and ultimately produce more dependable outputs. Herskowitz added that these improvements are expected to increase productivity and quality for customers.

The company is also launching 'Council,' a feature designed to facilitate side-by-side comparisons of responses from different AI models. These upgrades coincide with Microsoft making its new Copilot Cowork agentic AI tool more widely accessible to participants in its 'Frontier' programme. This programme grants customers early access to some of its most recent AI capabilities.

And Microsoft had previously unveiled Copilot Cowork in a testing phase earlier, leveraging Anthropic's popular Claude Cowork product. This development capitalises on the growing demand for autonomous AI agents within the industry.

The Windows maker has maintained a competitive pace, continually improving its Copilot assistant. This effort seeks to drive increased adoption amidst intense competition from rivals, including Google's Gemini, and other autonomous agents such as Claude Cowork.

Microsoft shares rose approximately 1 per cent following these announcements. However, the stock is currently on course for its poorest quarterly performance in a considerable period, with a decline of nearly 25 per cent. This trajectory reflects a broader waning of investor optimism concerning AI.

So, the company's strategic focus remains on refining its AI tools. It seeks to consolidate its position within a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

• Microsoft introduced "Critique" and "Council" features in Copilot.

• "Critique" uses OpenAI's GPT and Anthropic's Claude for multi-model response generation and review.

• The company is making its Copilot Cowork agentic AI tool more broadly available through its 'Frontier' programme.

• These enhancements aim to improve workflow efficiency, reduce AI inaccuracies, and boost output reliability.

• Microsoft faces ongoing competition from other AI developers in the autonomous agent market.

Source: Reuters

Voyager Technologies Secures Contract for Free-Flying Robot Demonstration

Space-tech firm Voyager Technologies, identified by its stock ticker VOYG.N, has entered into a mission management contract with robotics startup Icarus Robotics. The agreement dictates the demonstration of a free-flying robotic system aboard the International Space Station, a crucial orbital research facility. Both organisations publicly announced the details of this collaboration.

Credit: VOYAGER

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, known as NASA, has been actively encouraging heightened private-sector engagement within low Earth orbit. This strategic push comes in anticipation of the ISS's planned retirement, scheduled for the end of the decade. Robotics, as a technological field, is steadily gaining prominence as a foundational element for forthcoming commercial space stations and for supporting future missions to the Moon.

Icarus Robotics' proprietary "Joyride" system has been engineered specifically for navigation and operation inside crewed space stations. The forthcoming flight demonstration is intended to thoroughly evaluate the system's performance and capabilities while operating in the unique environment of microgravity. And this mission will also play a pivotal function in the systematic collection of data. This collected data is indispensable for training advanced artificial intelligence models, preparing them to capably operate robotic systems within the challenging conditions of space.

Under the specific terms outlined in the agreement, Voyager Technologies will assume a series of responsibilities. The company is charged with ensuring the robot is fully prepared for its flight into orbit, a process that includes numerous technical checks. Voyager must also secure all necessary safety approvals from relevant regulatory bodies, and arrange for the robot's launch. Furthermore, the firm will provide ongoing operational support for the robotic system throughout its tenure on the space station.

Jamie Palmer, who serves as co-founder and chief technology officer for Icarus Robotics, spoke on the necessity of real-world application for artificial intelligence development. He stated that in order to develop robust embodied AI systems, the initial critical step involves placing the associated hardware into its actual operational environment. Palmer further noted that space presents the highest barrier to entry among all domains, unequivocally declaring that no mere simulator can adequately substitute for the direct experience of being present in that environment, according to Reuters.

Robotic systems operating in space have a wide array of potential applications that extend beyond simple experimentation. These machines can be deployed to conduct detailed inspections of satellites and carry out essential repair work, thereby prolonging the lifespan of valuable orbital assets. They are also capable of assisting with routine maintenance procedures, and managing complex logistics aboard space stations, freeing up crew time for other tasks. So, looking ahead, such autonomous systems are expected to eventually manage and service intricate data centres, along with other critical infrastructure positioned in orbit around Earth.

This partnership between a space-tech firm and a robotics startup illustrates the ongoing commercialisation of space. Such ventures are increasingly important as global space agencies transition low Earth orbit activities to private enterprises, aiming for sustained innovation and exploration. The refinement of advanced robotic capabilities is central to this evolving landscape, providing new approaches for orbital operations.

• Voyager Technologies secured a mission management contract with robotics startup Icarus Robotics.

• The agreement concerns the demonstration of a free-flying robotic system on the International Space Station.

• Icarus Robotics' "Joyride" system will be tested for microgravity operation and data collection for AI models.

• Voyager is responsible for flight preparation, safety approvals, launch arrangements, and operational support.

• Space robots are projected to inspect satellites, assist maintenance, and manage orbital infrastructure.

Source: Reuters

China's Science Fiction Economy Achieves Record Revenues Amid Tech Focus

China's science fiction industry recorded significant revenue growth, reaching a total of USD 18.2 billion last year. This figure, up 15.7 per cent from the previous year, represents a new high for the sector, according to a report cited by the South China Morning Post. Public interest in science fiction content surged alongside this financial expansion.

Credit: UNSPLASH

Overall gross revenues for the industry amounted to 126.1 billion yuan. Science fiction related online search traffic increased substantially, rising by 203.3 per cent year on year across Chinese platforms. The report also indicated a continued expansion in the global reach of Chinese intellectual property.

Video games maintained their position as the core of China's science fiction market. This sector alone generated 77.91 billion yuan in revenue, accounting for more than 60 per cent of the total industry income reported. And Chinese game titles performed strongly in overseas markets.

Wu Yan, a science fiction writer and professor at the Southern University of Science and Technology, contributed to previous editions of this annual report. He observed that science fiction games retain the largest market share. Younger audiences demonstrate a particular preference for immersive and participatory entertainment forms.

Other media formats currently cannot match video games in terms of either public engagement or overall market scale, Professor Wu stated. The rising public enthusiasm for science fiction coincides with China's increased national focus on developing its technological capabilities. But this governmental push for tech self-reliance forms a central part of Beijing's latest five-year plan.

The science fiction derivatives sector also experienced notable financial growth. Revenues in this area rose to 7.07 billion yuan, marking a 179.4 per cent year on year increase from the preceding period. Original intellectual property served as the primary market driver for this expansion.

New product formats, including designer toys integrated with artificial intelligence, injected fresh market momentum into the derivatives segment. The industry gained mainstream recognition during the last decade. So this period notably saw the global success of author Liu Cixin's *The Three-Body Problem*.

Liu Cixin's acclaimed novel sold millions of copies internationally. It was later adapted into a high budget series for a major global streaming service. Another novella by Liu, *The Wandering Earth*, also led to a significant blockbuster film production.

This film grossed 4.6 billion yuan domestically upon its initial release. A subsequent film, a direct sequel, also garnered impressive box office returns, earning 4.2 billion yuan from the domestic market. And the industry has continued to build on these successes with a wider array of content.

A broader selection of science fiction titles has found audiences in recent times, beyond the established blockbusters. Science fiction film and television productions collectively generated 8.16 billion yuan in total revenue last year. This represented a 21.6 per cent increase compared to the immediately preceding year.

A significant development observed last year involved the increased application of artificial intelligence across the creative sector. This technology was particularly used in the production of short and medium length video content. But the science fiction literature segment also saw revenues reach 5.19 billion yuan.

Professor Wu further commented on the appeal of offline experience projects. Science fiction theme parks have proven particularly attractive to consumers. This popularity is attributed to the direct, first hand experiences they offer visitors.

This consumer demand for immersive experiences was explicitly reflected in the science fiction tourism sector's performance. This sector experienced a 13.8 per cent year on year growth, with total revenues reaching 27.77 billion yuan. And theme parks remained a key contributor to this revenue, with growth observed in domestically developed original attractions.

A new category, science fiction technical equipment, was included for the first time in this year's report. This segment recorded revenues of 24.74 billion yuan. The overall findings were presented during the China Science Fiction Convention.

• The Chinese science fiction industry generated USD 18.2 billion in revenue last year, marking a 15.7 per cent increase.

• Video games comprised over 60 per cent of total science fiction industry revenues.

• Online search traffic for science fiction content increased by 203.3 per cent year on year.

• Derivatives and tourism sectors also recorded substantial revenue growth.

• Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in the creation of short and medium length video content.

Source: SCMP