Microsoft Word clocked 40 years on Wednesday. The word processor was first released on October 25, 1983, under the name “Multi-Tool Word,” but has since grown and advanced to become one of the most-used office tools, controlling a significant percentage of the document editing market share.
With the focus on improving reading and writing, Microsoft Word’s 40-year journey has been characterised by several improvements and upgrades, all of which have helped shape the program to the current state as we know it.
Microsoft Word Gets AI Update
Starting from Multi-Tool Word, which introduced support for the mouse, which most MS-DOS programs lacked, to later versions that featured polished interface, enhanced word formatting, grammar and spelling checking, web integrations, image editing, etc., “Word has gone on to become one of the most popular office tools in the world,” Microsoft stated.
Atop these improvements, the current version of Word, dubbed “Microsoft 365,” has also been infused with AI technology to improve users’ experience.
Known as Copilot, Microsoft said its AI model provides a fundamental shift in writing and reading experiences. According to the company, Copilot can help users write, edit, summarize, and create texts with prompts.
“With only a brief prompt, Copilot in Word will create a first draft for you, bringing in information from across your organization as needed. Copilot can add content to existing documents, summarize text, and rewrite sections or the entire document to make it more concise,” Microsoft said.
Looking ahead, Microsoft said it intends to continuously leverage Copilot and iterate AI experience on Microsoft 365 based on the feedback from users.
“Our unwavering focus is on ensuring that Word scales to support users as they complete any writing and reading tasks – anything from straightforward to complex – as efficiently as possible,” Microsoft said.
Microsoft Integrates AI Across Its Products
Microsoft has been big on AI technology, especially since AI tools like ChatGPT started gaining traction. Over the recent months, the tech company has ramped up its efforts in investing and integrating AI technology across its platforms and devices.
In September, Cryptopolitan reported the integration of Copilot on Windows 11 as an AI companion. Using Copilot, users have the ability to seamlessly connect to their smartphones and perform several functions like a digital assistant.
