Microsoft has announced the release of Wave 2 of Microsoft 365 Copilot, introducing several new features to enhance productivity and collaboration within its suite of applications. The update includes the launch of Copilot Pages, the integration of Python in Excel, and the introduction of Copilot agents, among other enhancements.
Key among the updates is the introduction of Copilot Pages, which is described as a dynamic, persistent canvas designed for multiplayer AI collaboration. Copilot Pages transforms transient AI-generated content into editable, shareable assets. This feature allows teams to collaborate in real time, turning all organisational content into a rich database of information and insight. Copilot Pages aims to act as a central hub for user data, facilitating improved productivity and creativity.
Additionally, the update includes enhanced capabilities for Copilot within various Microsoft 365 apps. Excel now supports Python integration, allowing users to perform advanced data analysis and visualisation using natural language. This integration combines the capabilities of Python with Excel, enabling users to conduct complex analyses without coding.
In PowerPoint, the new Narrative builder feature enables users to collaborate with Copilot on creating and iterating presentation drafts. This functionality helps to streamline the presentation creation process while maintaining control over content. Users will soon be able to integrate company-branded templates to ensure presentations are on-brand and enterprise-ready.
Updated features in Microsoft Teams include enhanced meeting insights. Copilot can now analyse meeting transcripts and chat messages to provide a comprehensive overview of discussions. This feature will help users ensure all questions and points are addressed during meetings.
The update also introduces new features for Outlook, including the "Prioritise my inbox" feature to prioritise inbox management. Copilot assists users by summarising and prioritising emails based on content and the user's role. Users will be able to customise Copilot to recognise specific topics, keywords, and important contacts to tailor the prioritisation process.
Microsoft Word sees improvements with the addition of on-canvas prompted experiences and the ability to integrate various data sources into the document flow. This update aims to help users generate drafts more quickly, leveraging various types of data within the document creation process.
OneDrive benefits from the integration of Copilot, which allows users to summarise and compare files rapidly without needing to open them. This will assist users in gaining insights and managing their files more effectively.
New to this update, Copilot agents offer automated assistance for business processes ranging from simple tasks to complex autonomous operations. The agent builder feature enables users to create custom agents, integrating them seamlessly into their workflows. These agents are designed to handle tasks in the background, thus enhancing efficiency.
Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President, AI at Work, commented on the transformative potential of these updates. "Copilot is transforming the way we work, making AI a seamless part of our daily tasks. With Wave 2, we're excited to bring even more powerful tools to our customers, helping them achieve more with less effort. The integration of Python in Excel and the introduction of Copilot agents are game-changers for productivity and efficiency," he said.
Nearly 1,000 customers have provided feedback on Copilot, resulting in over 700 product updates and 150 new features this year. According to the company, enhanced performance and faster response times have contributed significantly to productivity gains and time savings for users worldwide. Customers have specifically highlighted the value added by Copilot in Microsoft Teams.
Copilot Pages and other enhanced features will begin rolling out in September 2024, with wider availability to follow in the coming weeks.
