Microsoft is set to enhance your Xbox gaming experience with the introduction of its AI-powered Copilot, which will soon be available for Xbox Insiders to test through the Xbox mobile app. This innovative feature, which replaced Cortana in 2023, is already integrated into Windows and is now expanding into the gaming realm. At launch, Copilot for Gaming will offer several functionalities, including the ability to install games on your Xbox remotely, provide insights into your play history, achievements, and game library, and even suggest new games for you to play. You'll be able to interact with Copilot directly on the Xbox app during gameplay, receiving real-time answers similar to how it operates on Windows.
One of the highlighted use-cases for Copilot at launch is its role as a gaming assistant. It can answer questions about games, such as strategies to beat a boss or solve puzzles, by sourcing information from online guides, websites, wikis, and forums. Microsoft is committed to ensuring the accuracy of this information by collaborating with game studios, ensuring that the data reflects the game's intended design and directing players back to the original sources.
Looking ahead, Microsoft envisions a broader role for Copilot in gaming. During a press briefing, spokespeople shared potential future applications, such as serving as a walkthrough assistant to explain game functions, tracking in-game items, or offering real-time strategy suggestions in competitive games. While these are currently exploratory ideas, Microsoft is keen on deeply integrating Copilot into regular Xbox gameplay. The company also plans to collaborate with both first-party and third-party studios to enhance this integration.
Regarding user privacy, Microsoft has confirmed that Xbox Insiders can opt out of using Copilot during the preview phase. However, the company has left open the possibility of making Copilot mandatory in the future. A spokesperson stated that during the mobile preview, players can control their interaction with Copilot, including access to conversation history and the actions it performs on their behalf. Microsoft emphasizes transparency about data collection, usage, and user choices regarding personal data.
Beyond player-focused applications, Microsoft is also exploring how developers can utilize Copilot. The company will provide more details on this at the upcoming Game Developers Conference next week.
