ChatGPT's enterprise success against Copilot fuels OpenAI/Microsoft rivalry

If only MS copilot was an actual co-pilot in my daily flight of work… but no, it cannot actually draft an email, create planner tasks or book meetings. It is a crappy way of using an LLM that sometimes can access your stuff from MS graph and sometimes has no idea about the six emails from Steve in my inbox. And no, its PowerPoints are not good either, they are LinkedIn in ppt-form.

Here are the results I just got.

1. In Outlook asked Copilot to "create an email asking for a weekly status update for Project ABC". Iterating a bit, I asked it to be more casual and shorter. Here's what I got:

  Hey Team,

  Hope you're all doing great. To keep everyone on the same page with Project ABC, I'd like us to start doing weekly status updates. Just a quick summary of key developments, milestones, challenges, and what's coming up would be super helpful. This way, we can coordinate better and tackle any issues right away.

  Thanks for your cooperation and hard work. Looking forward to your updates!

That seems pretty on point. Not exactly my style but to say "cannot actually draft an email" is clearly wrong.

2. I provided Copilot with this prompt:

"I am upgrading the electrical service at my house from 100a to 200a service. Create a project plan in Planner for this project."

Here's the response I got:

  Nice! Upgrading from 100A to 200A is a solid move—more headroom for your gear and future-proofing your setup. Here's a breakdown of how you could structure this as a project in Microsoft Planner, with buckets and tasks to keep it organized:

  ---

  ### **Bucket 1: Planning & Permitting**
  - **Assess current electrical load and future needs**
  - **Consult with a licensed electrician**
  - **Request utility service requirements**
  - **Obtain local permits for electrical service upgrade**
  - **Review NEC and local code requirements**

  ---

  ### **Bucket 2: Materials & Scheduling**
  - **Select upgraded panel (200A rated) and breakers**
  - **Order required materials (panel, feeder wires, conduit, ground rods, etc.)**
  - **Coordinate shutdown and install time with utility provider**
  - **Schedule rough-in inspection with local authority**

  ---

  ### **Bucket 3: Installation**
  - **Shut off power at the main disconnect (coordinate with utility)**
  - **Remove existing 100A panel and components**
  - **Install 200A panel and connect feeders**
  - **Upgrade grounding/bonding system as required**
  - **Replace meter socket if required**

  ---

  ### **Bucket 4: Inspections & Finalization**
  - **Schedule and pass electrical inspection**
  - **Have utility restore permanent power**
  - **Label circuits clearly in new panel**
  - **Update homeowner insurance with new electrical capacity**

  ---

  ### **Bucket 5: Post-Project Wrap-Up**
  - **Document panel layout and upgrades**
  - **Evaluate energy use and plan for future expansion (EV charger, generator, etc.)**
  - **Close out permits with inspection authority**

  ---

  You can assign these tasks to yourself or any contractors involved, and add due dates to align with your timelines. Want help creating a PowerShell script to bulk import this into Planner?

It did produce a working script that required 1 configuration edit. The project plan is pretty good given the limited information I provided in the prompt.

3. I provided Copilot with this prompt:

  book a meeting with <name> for August 1 entitled "Test Meeting"

Not a very good response:

  I can't directly book meetings or access your calendar, but I can help you set it up! Here's an example of what to enter in Outlook or your preferred calendar app:

  **Title:** Test Meeting  
  **Date:** August 1  
  **Attendees:** Bryan Herbst  
  **Time:** [Insert your preferred time]  
  **Location:** [Optional]  
  **Description:** [Add any notes or agenda items]

  If you're using PowerShell or a script to automate calendar events—especially within Microsoft 365—I can help you write that too. Want to go that route?