Microsoft is reportedly considering integrating OpenAI’s GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) artificial intelligence technology into its Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook apps.
According to The Information, Microsoft has already incorporated an unknown version of OpenAI’s GPT model into Word’s autocomplete feature, and is working on integrating it further into the apps.
The company is said to have explored the potential for the AI models to suggest replies to emails or recommend document changes to improve Word users’ writing, as well as to improve Outlook search results.
Microsoft may also be planning to launch a version of its Bing search engine, which uses ChatGPT to answer queries, as early as March in an effort to make Bing more competitive with Google.
However, the integration of OpenAI’s GPT models into Office products will present several challenges, including accuracy and privacy.
ChatGPT still has a tendency to present incorrect information as fact, which could make it difficult to use for document creation or advanced integration.
Additionally, Microsoft will need to customize its models for individual users without compromising their data. The company has reportedly been working on privacy-preserving models using GPT-3 and the as-yet-unreleased GPT-4, and has reportedly achieved early successes in training large language models on private data.
If Microsoft does decide to pursue the integration of GPT into Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint, it would represent a rapid commercialization of OpenAI’s GPT models.
This would put pressure on Google to integrate similar technology into its productivity apps, as well as potentially disrupt the market for AI-powered email and document creation tools.
