Microsoft has introduced Microsoft 365 Copilot, a groundbreaking productivity tool powered by next-generation AI
Designed to revolutionize work processes, Copilot combines the capabilities of large language models (LLMs) with Microsoft Graph data and Microsoft 365 apps to transform words into the most powerful productivity tool available.
A New Era in Computing and Work Interaction
Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, believes this announcement marks a major step in the evolution of human-computer interaction, which will change the way we work and unlock a new wave of productivity growth.
By integrating Copilot into Microsoft 365 apps, technology becomes more accessible through the universal interface of natural language.
Copilot Integration and the Introduction of Business Chat
Copilot is integrated into Microsoft 365 in two ways: as an embedded tool in popular Microsoft 365 apps, and as a completely new experience called Business Chat.
Business Chat works across LLMs, Microsoft 365 apps, and your data to accomplish tasks you’ve never been able to do before, simply by using natural language prompts.
Three Ways Copilot Transforms Work
Microsoft 365 Copilot revolutionizes work by:
- Unleashing creativity: Copilot helps users jump-start the creative process in Word, create stunning presentations in PowerPoint, and generate professional-looking data visualizations in Excel.
- Unlocking productivity: Copilot lightens the workload, freeing users to focus on more important tasks. It helps streamline processes in Outlook, Teams, and Power Platform.
- Upleveling skills: Copilot allows users to easily master new skills and improve existing ones, unlocking the rich functionality of Microsoft 365 through natural language.
The Copilot System: Enterprise-ready AI
The Copilot System is more than just OpenAI’s ChatGPT embedded in Microsoft 365. It is a sophisticated processing and orchestration engine that combines the power of LLMs, like GPT-4, with Microsoft 365 apps and business data in the Microsoft Graph.
This allows for secure, compliant, and privacy-preserving access to content and context in real-time.
Committed to Responsible Development
Microsoft is dedicated to upholding its AI principles and Responsible AI Standard while developing Copilot. The company employs a multidisciplinary team of researchers, engineers, and policy experts to review AI systems for potential harms and mitigations.
Microsoft strives to maintain transparency in how the system makes decisions and encourages users to review, fact-check, and adjust content as needed.
Bold Steps and Continuous Learning
Microsoft plans to bring Copilot to all its productivity apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Viva, Power Platform, and more. Pricing and licensing information will be shared soon.
Dynamics 365 Copilot, the world’s first AI Copilot for CRM and ERP, was announced earlier this month.
Microsoft aims to help users find purpose and meaning in their work through the use of Microsoft 365 Copilot. By moving quickly and responsibly, the company seeks to serve its customers’ unmet needs and learn from their experiences. Feedback from a small group of customers will be used to improve the models before expanding the offering to more users.
For more information on Microsoft 365 Copilot and its potential impact on the future of work, visit the Microsoft 365 blog and the WorkLab website.
