Microsoft Office has been rebranded to Microsoft 365 Copilot, or has it? (www.techradar.com)

Microsoft has stirred confusion among users with the rebranding of Microsoft Office to Microsoft 365 Copilot, a change that appears to have been in effect since 2022 but is now being highlighted on the Office.com site. This adjustment aims to promote the M365 Copilot app as the central hub for users to create, share, and collaborate using various Office applications alongside integrated AI features. While intended to streamline the user experience, the push for the Copilot branding has met resistance from customers who feel that AI is being thrust upon them. The significance of this rebranding lies not only in its potential impact on user engagement but also in Microsoft's broader strategy to incorporate generative AI into its productivity suite. By redirecting users to M365 and embedding Copilot functionalities, Microsoft is positioning itself as a leader in integrating AI into everyday work processes. However, the transition has been compounded by price hikes and a loss of the iconic Office name, which has raised concerns about brand identity and customer satisfaction. Users in regions without Copilot access will miss out on AI capabilities, highlighting the disparity in AI tool availability. As Microsoft navigates these changes, the reaction from users indicates a challenging road ahead in balancing innovation with user preferences.