Microsoft rolls out new Copilot AI features for work apps
What's the story
Microsoft has introduced the latest version of its artificial intelligence (AI) tool Copilot, with enhanced features for its suite of work applications. The new AI-driven capabilities include Business Chat, a feature that integrates web data, work data, and business data into a tool called Copilot Pages. This platform allows users to modify and share both human and AI-generated data within their teams.
Tech merger
Copilot's integration with Excel and Python
In a significant development, Microsoft has integrated Copilot with Excel using Python. This allows users to manipulate data in Excel using natural language instead of traditional coding methods. The updated version of Copilot also includes AI-driven facilities for PowerPoint, Outlook, Word, OneDrive, and Teams - tools frequently used by businesses.
AI improvements
Enhancements aim to attract businesses
The enhancements to Copilot are aimed at making it more appealing to businesses. For example, PowerPoint now features an improved AI-driven narrative builder, and Word has enhanced its AI-assisted drafting capabilities. Additionally, Copilot can now assist users in managing their Outlook inbox more efficiently.
AI agents
Microsoft introduces AI assistants for business automation
Microsoft has also launched Copilot agents, AI assistants designed to automate certain business tasks. These agents range from simple prompt-and-response bots to those that can replace repetitive tasks, and even advanced fully autonomous agents. To ensure data security within Microsoft 365's "trust boundary," these Copilot agents are equipped with the company's Responsible AI technology.
Customer insights
User feedback shapes Copilot's development
Since its general availability, Microsoft has received feedback from almost 1,000 customers and has introduced over 150 features and capabilities based on this input. The company also revealed that Copilot is now powered by OpenAI's GPT-4o, which has "dramatically improved performance." Despite some initial hesitation due to bugs and a $30 per user price tag, companies like Vodafone have seen the potential benefits of using Copilot.