Microsoft, It’s Time to Step Up
(Image credit: Future)
Dell XPS 16 vs MacBook Pro 16-inch
As a longtime Windows user, I’ve always leaned towards PCs, but Microsoft’s recent push to integrate AI into everything is making me seriously contemplate a switch to Macs.
Having grown up with Windows PCs, macOS has never quite felt like home to me. Despite its quirks, I believe Microsoft has made commendable strides with Windows 11 since its debut in 2021.
However, after attending WWDC 2024 and witnessing Apple’s commitment to AI and privacy—qualities I wish Microsoft would emulate—I’m strongly considering fully embracing macOS Sequoia upon its release later this year.
macOS Sequoia promo image (Image credit: Apple)
My inclination towards macOS is primarily fueled by Microsoft’s relentless drive to embed “AI” into all facets of its offerings. While I’ve long used an iPhone due to its prominence in mobile gaming development, Apple’s design philosophies often clash with my preference for customization and control over my devices.
Moreover, my growing aversion to Windows Copilot and its pervasive integration into my PC experience has fueled my apprehension. Since Microsoft introduced ChatGPT-powered Bing in 2023, my interactions with AI have largely felt superficial, adding clutter to my online activities without substantial utility.
Despite Microsoft’s claims that integrating Copilot enhances productivity, my experience has been limited to Bing searches and occasionally amusing but impractical AI-generated content.
While both companies are in early stages of AI integration into operating systems, Apple’s delayed entry into this race highlights its emphasis on privacy with Apple Intelligence.
For my device to truly serve me, trust is paramount.
WWDC 2024 I admire Apple’s prioritization of privacy in its AI offerings, a cornerstone of its 2024 marketing strategy. (Image credit: Apple)
Apple’s commitment to privacy is exemplified by its announcement detailing the privacy-centric features of its upcoming operating systems. Apple assures that Siri’s enhanced capabilities with iOS 18, integrated with ChatGPT-4o, will perform complex tasks locally on your device, ensuring your data remains secure and private.
In contrast, Microsoft’s approach seems to integrate AI seamlessly into every aspect of user interaction on Windows, raising concerns about data privacy. Microsoft’s transparency regarding Copilot’s data usage is overshadowed by its preference for paid subscriptions to secure user data.
For example, basic Copilot features are available at no cost, but to safeguard personal and corporate data on Microsoft 365, users must subscribe for $30 per month. This underscores Microsoft’s prioritization of profit over user privacy.
I’m increasingly skeptical of Microsoft’s commitment to data privacy, especially given its history of data sharing practices with advertisers, particularly evident in regions like the EU and UK through Outlook.
Outlook app running on a phone My concerns are compounded by the extensive list of third-party data sharing partners accessible via Outlook. (Image credit: Future)
Conversely, Apple’s consumer-centric approach with AI integration reassures me of its dedication to safeguarding user data, contrasting sharply with Microsoft’s profit-driven strategies.
While Apple may lag behind competitors in AI development, its deliberate approach to privacy instills confidence in its products. In contrast, Microsoft’s rushed integration of features like Recall—a privacy controversy surrounding its initial release—raises significant doubts about its commitment to user privacy.
As much as I’ve cherished Windows, Microsoft’s current AI trajectory makes switching increasingly enticing. I hope future Windows iterations prioritize user privacy and control over data usage, but until then, I’ll familiarize myself with macOS shortcuts and prepare for the transition to Sequoia.