I typically used the Sensible Lookup characteristic in Microsoft Phrase to search for phrases and phrases in a doc. It was a useful method to view dictionary definitions, synonyms, net searches, and Wikipedia articles on a topic. Properly, what Microsoft giveth, they now taketh away, for Sensible Lookup is not any extra.
Microsoft retires a useful characteristic
In a help doc on Sensible Lookup noticed by Home windows Newest, Microsoft reveals that the characteristic has been retired as of Jan. 1, 2025. Previously, right-clicking on sure phrases in Microsoft Phrase displayed a "Search" command within the menu. Choosing that command would run a web based search that can assist you be taught extra concerning the phrase you chose.
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The "Search" possibility nonetheless exists, and choosing it nonetheless opens the Search pane on the correct. However as an alternative of operating an precise search, Phrase simply tells you that one thing went flawed and advises you to please attempt once more. In fact, attempting once more simply ends in the identical error. It appears Microsoft can't even correctly take away a characteristic like this with out creating confusion.
Is Copilot guilty?
Why would the corporate retire such a helpful and useful possibility? I can reply that with one phrase: Copilot. Microsoft has aggressively been pushing its AI software to clients because the one-stop answer to all their questions and requests. So why hold a characteristic like Sensible Lookup round when Copilot is right here to save lots of the day?
Copilot has already been out there as standalone Home windows and Mac applications, as cellular apps for iOS and Android, and as a sidebar in Edge. However Microsoft not too long ago went a step additional by forcing Copilot into its Microsoft 365 suite. These of you who subscribe to Microsoft 365 Household or Private will now discover a Copilot icon within the left margin, accompanied by an annoying message to "Draft with Copilot."
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With the brand new Copilot characteristic comes an surprising worth improve that may kick in at your subsequent renewal date US subscribers to Microsoft 365 Private will find yourself paying $99.99 per yr or $9.99 per 30 days, up from $69.99 per yr or $6.99 per 30 days. Subscribers to Microsoft 365 Household will ultimately need to shell out $129.99 per yr or $12.99 per 30 days, up from $99.99 per yr or $9.99 per 30 days.
You possibly can take away Copilot from Phrase and swap again to a basic non-Copilot plan, although Microsoft doesn't make it straightforward. In any other case, I'm certain the corporate is hoping that eradicating instruments like Sensible Lookup will trigger extra folks to maintain Copilot and switch to the AI after they want assist in a doc.