Microsoft has announced plans to roll out significant updates to its 365 Copilot platform to transform workplace productivity. Revealed during the Microsoft Ignite 2024 event on November 19, the new features will begin launching early next year. These enhancements include advanced AI capabilities, new collaboration tools collaboration tools, and even hardware designed to streamline access to Microsoftโs cloud services.
Copilot Actions and smarter features
The upgraded 365 Copilot, rebranded in September, integrates Microsoftโs generative AI tools into apps like Teams, Outlook, and PowerPoint for a monthly subscription cost of US$30 per employee. One standout feature, Copilot Actions, is currently in private preview. This tool simplifies routine tasks using intuitive, fill-in-the-blank prompts to set action items, summarise meetings, or request colleague input.
Other updates include improvements to Copilot PagesโMicrosoftโs answer to collaborative tools like Canvas. By 2025, users can prompt the AI to create content from Microsoft Graph data and share it on continuously updated Pages. These additions help employees scale their productivity by automating repetitive processes and enhancing team collaboration.
In Teams, Copilot will soon analyse visual content shared during meetings, providing summaries and answering real-time questions. This feature will enter public preview in early 2025. Outlookโs AI-powered Copilot will be able to coordinate meeting schedules across calendars, launching in November 2024. Meanwhile, PowerPoint will introduce AI-driven translation for entire slide decks into 40 languages by 2025, maintaining the slidesโ original design.
Expanding AI agents for businesses
Microsoft is also doubling down on its AI-powered business tools, introducing a range of autonomous agents to handle tasks across various sectors. According to Jared Spataro, CMO of AI at Work, these agents aim to โscale individual impact and transform business processes,โ giving companies a competitive edge.
For example, an Interpreter Agent for Teams will enable live, real-time translation while preserving the speaker’s voice, entering public preview in 2025. Other agents will manage meeting notes, support project planning in Microsoft Planner, and assist with standard HR or IT queries through the Employee Self-Service Agent, currently in private preview.
In addition, Microsoft plans to enhance its existing AI agents for sales, finance, and supply chain management in the new year, continuing its focus on automating essential business operations.
Introducing Windows 365 Link
On the hardware front, Microsoft unveiled the Windows 365 Link, a device specifically designed for quick access to Windows 365 virtual desktops. Retailing at US$349, the Link connects users to Microsoftโs cloud-based PC environment in seconds. It is already in public preview and will be released in select markets in April 2025.
This purpose-built device reflects Microsoftโs commitment to supporting hybrid and remote work by making cloud computing more accessible to users worldwide.
With these updates, Microsoft aims to tackle the biggest challenges of modern workplaces, providing tools that empower employees and organisations to operate efficiently. From simplifying collaboration to introducing new AI capabilities, Microsoft’s innovations make the future of work look smarter and more connected.
