Microsoft has released a new update to its Copilot 365 AI offering, extending the solution with innovative ChatGPT plugins and Teams message extensions. The feature and its integration with Windows 11 was highlighted at the 2021 Microsoft Build update.
Developers can quickly build advanced 365 plugins with the Microsoft Teams Toolkit for Visual Studio Code and Visual Studio, and more than 50 plugins already available for customers as part of the Early Access Programme. The ambition is for thousands of plugins to be available upon general availability of Copilot.
Windows Copilot will now be fully integrated into Windows 11, offering powerful assistance operations like content summarization, edition, and explanation. Microsoft hopes to make tedious task more efficient by introducing a centralised AI assistance service as an alternative to the search bar. It is similar in function to the Bing dialogue box, and its integration in Windows 11 has drawn comparisons with Cortana.
The Microsoft Copilot Early Access Programme has grown rapidly since it initially launched in March, expanding to 600 businesses who wish to take advantage of the solution’s promise to boost productivity for PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint and Microsoft Viva. The product line further expanded with the introduction of OneNote, Outlook and Whiteboard integration.
Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO at Microsoft, commented on the potential of this AI solution to “remove the drudgery of work and unleash creativity”. Microsoft’s avatars for Microsoft Teams, Edge Workspaces, and Edge for Business were also announced at the Build update.
Microsoft is unarguably one of the biggest players in the UC and collaboration industry. Its new Copilot AI-powered solution is cloud-based and integrated into the full 365 suite, making it possible to complete complex projects and build ideas with greater ease. Microsoft is actively pushing for wider integration of AI in working environments, a push vastly accelerated by the uncertain times we are living in.
