7 exciting new Microsoft 365 Copilot features

The Microsoft Ignite 2024 event unveiled cutting-edge advancements in AI-driven tools for the digital workplace. Microsoft 365 Copilot was front and centre, with announcements aimed at enhancing productivity, collaboration, and communication. These updates promise to streamline workflows, empower teams, and redefine how we work in the age of AI. In this blog, we discuss our top 7 favourite new features and when to expect them.

Copilot Actions

Copilot Actions will transform routine task management. These actions automate everyday activities using simple, fill-in-the-blank prompts that users can configure and forget, streamlining workflows significantly. This feature, currently in private preview, shifts the user's perspective, allowing them to easily create their own proactive assistant, instead of having to start a conversation every time they need assistance as they did before. The Actions are the step towards a completely different way of looking at personal GenAI.

Copilot Pages

Copilot Pages now support an expanded range of content types, including code, interactive charts, tables, diagrams, and math, allowing for the creation of rich artifacts. These artifacts can be generated in BizChat based on web or work data and remain synchronised across Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook and Teams. Multi-page support enables users to create and consolidate content from various chat sessions into a single Page, while mobile editing facilitates on-the-go collaboration. These features are expected to roll out in early 2025, making Copilot Pages an indispensable tool for dynamic and interactive content creation.

New capabilities in Microsoft 365 applications

Outlook

Microsoft Outlook will soon benefit from new Copilot capabilities aimed at enhancing productivity and time management. Features such as Focus Time Scheduling, which allows users to book focus time or 1:1 meeting’s using natural language, and Agenda Drafting, which helps draft meeting agendas and summarise key points, will be available starting December 2024 through Q1 2025.

Excel

Copilot in Excel is set to transform data analysis with several new features. Users on the Windows desktop app can now access Copilot with Python, enabling complex data manipulations. The New Start Experience helps users of all skill levels create tailored tables for their tasks, while Cross-File References allow data access across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files.

PowerPoint

PowerPoint users will appreciate the new capabilities introduced in Copilot. The Narrative Builder now supports grounding on files to create accurate stories, while the Presentation Translator offers translation into 40 languages, enhancing global accessibility. Adding topics with a file, automatic text rewriting, and speaker notes generation are among the features set to roll out through January 2025, delivering professional and polished presentations to everyone.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams are being enhanced with AI-powered features designed to streamline daily operations. Teams will now offer Copilot file summaries in chats, enabling quick comprehension of document content without opening it. Additionally, Copilot can analyse on-screen content and provide citations for source verification.

OneNote and Clipchamp

In OneNote, users can leverage Copilot Chat to summarise and rewrite notes, create task lists, and organise Notebook pages efficiently. Cross-App reasoning allows Copilot to analyse OneNote content and provide citations across Microsoft 365 apps. Clipchamp, now integrated with Stream, enables seamless video summarisation directly in Outlook and PowerPoint, enhancing video content creation and consumption.

Microsoft 365 Copilot in Forms and SharePoint

Microsoft Forms gains new capabilities with Target Response Collection, which suggests the right audience and channels to improve response rates, and Smart Reminders that monitor response status. These updates will be available in January 2025. SharePoint users can now utilise agents for real-time information and insights, enhancing content management and decision-making processes.

Enhanced Copilot Analytics

The Copilot Control System introduces robust capabilities for IT teams, including data protection, management controls, and detailed reporting on Copilot and agent usage. The new AI Administrator Role allows for efficient management of Copilot services without extensive permissions. New features will empower IT to confidently implement and evaluate the business impact of Copilot and its agents.

Data governance and compliance

Microsoft 365 Copilot now includes advanced management capabilities for SharePoint, offering tools for content governance, security, and compliance. New features include SharePoint Advanced Management for enhanced content governance, which helps prevent data oversharing and manage site lifecycles Features like Restricted Access Control and Restricted Content Discovery ensure data remains secure and well-managed by controlling access and preventing sensitive content from being overly exposed. Additionally, Enterprise Application Insights provide valuable data on application usage and security, further enhancing governance and compliance.

Microsoft Places with Copilot

Microsoft Places, an AI-powered tool designed to enhance flexible work environments by simplifying the coordination of in-person meetings and providing insights into office space utilization. Copilot boosts Places by integrating AI features that streamline scheduling and optimize workplace presence, making it easier for colleagues to connect and collaborate effectively by providing real-time recommendations and insights.