Generative AI is artificial intelligence that creates new content: text, images, code, music or video. You give an instruction in plain language (a prompt) and the model makes something that didn't exist before. Well-known examples are ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Designer.
How does it work?
A generative model is trained on enormous amounts of text, images or code. It learns patterns: which word usually comes next, what a cat looks like, how a Python function works. Given a prompt, it predicts step by step what fits best. So the model doesn't know things the way a person does; it produces a likely answer.
What can you do with it?
- Text: emails, summaries, translations and first drafts of documents.
- Images: illustrations and designs from a description, for example with Microsoft Designer. See designing with AI.
- Code: write, explain and improve code with GitHub Copilot.
- Work: in Microsoft 365 Copilot, summarize meetings, answer emails and build presentations from your own files.
What to watch out for
- Check the content. AI can make mistakes or invent facts.
- Don't share confidential data with a free consumer service. At work, use the tools your organization provides, such as Copilot with your work account.
- Copyright and honesty: say when something was made by AI, and check that you're allowed to use it.
- Good prompts: say who you are, what you want, for whom and in what form.
Also see NotebookLM audio overviews.
Read also
What is Microsoft Power Automate and how do you start?
Translate a document or text in Word and PowerPoint
Use Microsoft Whiteboard in Teams channels and meetings
Nederlandstalige versie: Wat is generatieve AI en wat kun je ermee?