Microsoft recently updated its 365 Copilot, introducing a range of new features including AI-powered enterprise search, reasoning agents, and a new agent store. Some users already have access to these features, while others may need to wait until May.
The AI-powered enterprise search is a key highlight. Microsoft states that Copilot Search combines search with the power of AI to deliver more relevant and context-aware search results. Jon Friedman, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft's design and research division, explained in a video: "It connects your work data and multiple applications to help you quickly find the information you need. Copilot can also summarize the content of documents, allowing you to understand their content without opening them."
Addressing concerns about large language models accessing corporate files, Microsoft emphasized its Copilot governance system, designed to allow IT administrators and security personnel to manage Copilot interactions and access. This includes application and agent sections in data security posture management for oversight. Additionally, Copilot analytics services and Copilot Studio agent reporting are available within Microsoft Viva Insights.
On the AI front, Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces two new agents: Researcher and Analyst. These are referred to as "reasoning agents," based on OpenAI's reasoning models, although Microsoft didn't specify which models. "Reasoning" here refers to breaking down tasks into multiple steps and showing the execution of those steps.
The Researcher agent is designed to assist with multi-step research tasks, similar to OpenAI's deep research agent launched in February. Microsoft's demo video showcased how an agent could develop a marketing plan based on a prompt, helping users accomplish complex tasks more easily.
The Analyst agent focuses on data analysis, built on OpenAI's o3-mini reasoning model, optimized for advanced data analysis in the workplace. A Microsoft employee stated in the video: "Even if you've never written a line of code, you can get rich data insights that Python can offer." Microsoft's AI can explain the code, helping users understand the analytical process.
These new agents are available in a brand-new agent store, which also includes offerings from various partners such as JiraMonday.com and Miro. Users can also customize agents to automate specific tasks or provide Copilot access to specific data.
Furthermore, in terms of creative experiences, Copilot has integrated OpenAI's GPT-4o image generation capabilities, allowing users to easily generate various banners, presentation graphics, and marketing copy. Microsoft also launched Notebooks functionality, allowing users to centralize project-related files for easier discussion with Copilot.
Currently, some Wave 2 features (like the Researcher and Analyst agents) are available to customers in the pilot program, with wider availability expected in May. Meanwhile, IT advisory firm Gartner predicts an AI paradox in the coming year, with spending continuing to grow despite declining satisfaction with generative AI.
Key Highlights:
🌟 Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces new AI-powered enterprise search and reasoning agents, improving the relevance of search results.
🤖 New Researcher and Analyst agents assist users with multi-step research and advanced data analysis.
📈 Gartner predicts that despite declining satisfaction with generative AI, spending will continue to grow, exceeding $644 billion by 2025.
