Microsoft is pushing the boundaries of AI with a major update to its all-in-one assistant, Copilot. Dubbed ‘Wave 2,’ this update unleashes a wave of new features designed to enhance productivity and collaboration across the Microsoft ecosystem.
One of the most notable additions is Copilot Pages, described by Microsoft as a “dynamic, persistent canvas” for “multiplayer” collaboration. This feature acts as a central hub for working with Copilot, allowing you to store AI-generated content, edit it, share it with others, and even collaborate in real-time. Think of it as a more streamlined and accessible way to harness the power of Copilot without constantly switching between apps.
Beyond Pages, Microsoft is also bringing Copilot enhancements to its popular Office applications. In Word, Copilot now integrates with web data and information from other apps and documents, including emails and meetings, for a seamless flow of information. The writing experience in Word also receives a boost with the ability to use Copilot inline, making it easier to get your thoughts down on paper. Excel gains the power of Python, allowing for advanced analysis using natural language. This opens up new possibilities for data manipulation and interpretation within the familiar Excel environment.
PowerPoint, the go-to application for presentations, receives a new feature called Narrative Builder. This tool allows users to create entire presentations based on prompts and customize them with approved branding elements. Teams, Microsoft’s collaborative platform, leverages Copilot’s capabilities to analyze meeting transcripts and chats, enabling users to ask questions about what they might have missed. Even Outlook gets a boost with a new ‘Prioritize my inbox’ feature that uses AI to intelligently reorder emails based on their importance and context. OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage solution, gains an advanced AI-powered search function that allows Copilot to “reason” over your files and surface relevant information.
For large organizations, Microsoft is introducing Copilot agents and agent builder, a new feature of Copilot Studio. These AI-powered agents can be designed to complete tasks autonomously, ranging from simple prompt-and-response interactions to more complex, fully autonomous tasks. While these agents are still under development, they hold the potential to revolutionize how organizations operate and streamline their workflows.
Microsoft’s ‘Wave 2’ update is a significant step forward in its AI journey, bringing new capabilities and features that are sure to enhance productivity and collaboration for both individuals and organizations. With the integration of Copilot into its diverse suite of applications, Microsoft is demonstrating its commitment to making AI accessible and empowering everyone to achieve more.
