Microsoft AI Chief Acknowledges Google Gemini 3 Can Outperform Copilot in Certain Areas
Key Points
- Mustafa Suleyman acknowledged that Google’s Gemini 3 can do things Copilot cannot.
- Copilot also has unique features not found in Gemini 3.
- Gemini 3 is billed as Google’s most powerful multimodal model.
- Copilot is integrated across Windows 11, Outlook, Excel, and Edge.
- Microsoft emphasizes a "humanist superintelligence" approach prioritizing safety.
- The admission highlights differing strengths of rival AI models.
- Microsoft will halt development of any AI that behaves unpredictably.
Microsoft AI leader Mustafa Suleyman told Bloomberg that Google’s Gemini 3 model can do things that Microsoft’s Copilot cannot, while noting that Copilot also has unique capabilities. Suleyman highlighted Copilot’s focus on everyday utility, its integration across Windows, Outlook, Excel and Edge, and the company’s “humanist superintelligence” philosophy that prioritizes safe, grounded assistance. The remarks underscore a rare admission of a rival model’s strengths and illustrate the evolving competitive landscape in generative AI.
Microsoft’s Open Admission
In a Bloomberg interview, Microsoft AI chief Mustafa Suleyman made an unusual concession: Google’s Gemini 3 model can perform tasks that Microsoft’s Copilot cannot. Suleyman emphasized that while Gemini 3 boasts capabilities beyond Copilot’s reach, Copilot also possesses features that Gemini lacks. This balanced acknowledgment marks a notable moment in the ongoing rivalry between major AI developers.
Gemini 3’s Strengths
Google describes Gemini 3 as its most powerful multimodal model to date. According to Suleyman, the model’s ability to combine diverse data sources and generate creative results enables it to excel in areas where Copilot falls short. The admission signals that Gemini 3’s advanced understanding and multimodal processing give it an edge in certain user scenarios.
Copilot’s Focus on Everyday Utility
Suleyman pivoted to highlight Copilot’s practical advantages. He described Copilot as “amazing for vision,” noting its capacity to see what users see, respond in real time, and provide feedback through screen sharing on both mobile and desktop. Copilot’s integration across Microsoft products—including Windows 11, Outlook, Excel, and the Edge browser’s Copilot mode—demonstrates the company’s strategy of embedding AI assistance directly into daily workflows.
Human‑Centred AI Philosophy
Microsoft’s vision, as articulated by Suleyman, is one of “humanist superintelligence.” This approach aims to deliver powerful assistance without allowing AI to operate independently or unpredictably. Suleyman warned that Microsoft would discontinue development of any system that shows signs of runaway behavior, emphasizing a commitment to safety and controllability.
Implications for the AI Landscape
The candid comparison between Gemini 3 and Copilot offers consumers clearer insight into how different models excel in distinct domains. While Gemini 3 pushes the envelope of multimodal understanding, Copilot concentrates on grounded, utility‑driven assistance. Both companies appear to recognize that diverse strengths can coexist, catering to varied user needs.
Outlook
As AI continues to evolve, Suleyman’s remarks suggest a future where competitive transparency may help shape product development and user expectations. Microsoft’s dedication to integrating Copilot across its ecosystem and maintaining a safety‑first ethos positions it as a major player focused on reliable, everyday AI assistance, even as rivals like Google advance the frontier of model capabilities.