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How many products does Microsoft have named 'Copilot'? (teybannerman.com)

815 points by gpi · 102 days ago · 386 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses how Microsoft has multiple products and features named 'Copilot', with at least 75 different things bearing the name, including apps, features, platforms, and even a keyboard key. The author attempted to map out all the different Copilot products but found no single source had a comprehensive list. The naming convention has led to confusion, with some products being similar but not identical. The article highlights the complexity of Microsoft's product lineup and the challenges of navigating it.

Main themes

  • Microsoft product naming
  • Copilot branding
  • AI and LLM integration
  • Product confusion
  • Microsoft history
  • Branding strategy

What commenters say

  • Microsoft's naming convention is confusing and has led to overlap between similar products, making it difficult for users to understand what each product does.
  • The company's decision to use the 'Copilot' name for multiple products is seen as a branding strategy, but it may ultimately dilute the brand's value.
  • Some commenters argue that the naming issue is not unique to Microsoft and that other companies, such as IBM, have also had similar problems with branding and naming conventions.
  • The use of 'Copilot' for both Microsoft and GitHub products, which are owned by the same company, is seen as particularly confusing and may indicate a lack of coordination between different teams.
  • The naming convention is not just limited to 'Copilot', as Microsoft has a history of using similar names for different products, such as '.NET' and 'Live'.
  • Some commenters believe that the 'Copilot' name is being used as a catch-all brand for any AI-related product, which may not be the most effective strategy.
  • The complexity of Microsoft's product lineup is seen as a major issue, with some commenters arguing that it is difficult to navigate and find the right product for a specific need.
  • The use of 'Copilot' for a keyboard key and other non-AI related products is seen as an example of how the brand is being diluted and losing its meaning.