Shopping for products has never been easier, but I like to know I’m getting the best bang for my buck. Thankfully, Microsoft Copilot’s latest iteration is here to help, with several useful features that assist me in finding the best offers.
I Can Monitor Prices With Real-Time Tracking
Copilot includes AI enhancements that have significantly improved the platform for research and analysis—as well as my online shopping experience. With Copilot Vision now available for free users on Edge and for Pro users on mobile (in the U.S. only—for now), it’s possible to point my phone at a product or highlight it on my device, and Copilot gets to work monitoring prices across several retailers.
What I find even more useful are Copilot’s price drop alerts, which are activated by clicking the bell icon next to a product that appears in Copilot’s search results. I set a target price, and as soon as the price drops below it, I get a notification via email and/or app alert to let me know that it’s time to buy. To cap it all, once I have found my ideal product and I’m ready to make a purchase, Copilot’s in-app checkout allows me to buy it directly, without having to jump between websites.
I Can Compare Prices for Multiple Products
Comparing prices across different websites used to be a chore, involving multiple tabs and endless searches, and I often found that I missed out on a deal after the fact. With Copilot’s upgraded reasoning engine, called the Think Deeper model, which uses OpenAI’s o3-mini model, I receive smart price comparisons in real-time.
For example, if I’m looking for wireless headphones, Copilot will provide a curated list of options tailored to my specific needs. It then compares prices across multiple retailers and displays:
- Product names and specs
- Each seller’s price
- Shipping details and discounts
I can even request a more detailed breakdown of costs and benefits. Let’s say I’m comparing three identical sets of headphones. I can ask Copilot for an in-depth review that includes delivery costs and warranties, to ensure I get the best overall offer.
I Stay Informed With Integration Across Apps
Copilot is now integrated into Viber and GroupMe, and while they’re not my go-to messaging apps, I don’t mind using them if it saves me money. Within the apps, I can snap pictures of products and ask Copilot to compare them, or even chat directly with Copilot to tell it what I’m looking for, to get the ball rolling.
There are other benefits to Copilot’s app integration. For example, I can receive weather updates and stock market updates from within Viber, and in GroupMe, it summarizes news articles, trending topics, and breaks down other complex info. However, the most important use for me is that I receive pricing alerts directly, meaning I’m less likely to miss out on a deal.
I Enjoy Faster and Smarter Searches With OpenAI
While most of us aren’t interested in seeing the wizard behind the curtain, the aforementioned AI model is the recent upgrade that enables Copilot’s smart price comparisons. Not only are product searches faster and more informative, but they are delivered clearly and concisely, which is something that will appeal to every user.
Let’s say I wanted to find a smartwatch that offers the best battery life for the money. Copilot can run a quick analysis. It will then give me a shortlist of watches, comparisons, and reasoning in language that cuts to the chase. This is the kind of query that used to be very difficult, even when talking to a real person on a shop floor, but now I get the information I need in double quick time.
I Can Find Personalized Deals Based on My Preferences
Copilot uses my interactions and preferences to fine-tune my recommendations. While this sounds a little intrusive in principle, it’s a handy feature that helps me quickly find products that interest me and separates the wheat from the chaff.
With Copilot’s help, I’m more likely to end up with a product that I like. It will even recommend alternatives, let me know of any seasonal promos, and suggest the best time to buy. Additionally, when I provide feedback, Copilot uses these cues to inform future recommendations. For example, if I tell it that I like a particular brand or aesthetic, my savvy AI assistant will take note.
While Copilot still has catching up to do compared to other AI models, Copilot still has its uses, especially when it comes to shopping online. Next time you’re thinking of splashing out on a product or service, whether it’s the latest iPhone or a holiday to Europe, try taking Copilot’s price tracking features for a spin. While the solution is simple in principle, it can save time and effort scouring the web for deals, and even pleasantly surprises you when you least expect it.
