2 hrs ago
Microsoft Revamps Copilot With Coding Tool and Always-On AI Agent
Microsoft is adding new tools to its Copilot AI assistant.
One tool, called Code, can help people create software by describing what they want in ordinary language.
Copilot will also include Word, Excel and PowerPoint so users can work without leaving the app.
Another tool, called Autopilot, is designed to act like a digital coworker.
Companies will be able to control what this agent is allowed to do.
Microsoft says this may help businesses use AI more safely.
The company is also adding ways to track AI-related costs.
Microsoft is expanding Copilot as it competes with other AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Claude.
Microsoft added coding, Office app integration and an always-on AI agent to Copilot.
The new Code tool lets users build apps, dashboards and software with natural-language prompts.
Code will reach early-access customers at the end of the month and later preview subscribers.
Autopilot, a revamped version of Scout, will enter private preview at the end of the month.
New cost-management features will show employees how much their AI use costs.
- Who
- Microsoft and its Copilot product team.
- What
- Microsoft announced new Copilot capabilities, including the Code coding tool, embedded Office applications, Autopilot and AI cost-management features.
- Where
- When
- The announcement was made on Friday; Code and Autopilot are scheduled for end-of-month early access or private preview, while some subscriber previews are planned for later this year.
- Why
- Microsoft is seeking to increase Copilot adoption, compete with ChatGPT and Claude, address enterprise security and governance concerns, and help organizations control AI costs.
Key facts
- New coding tool
- Code lets users build apps, dashboards and other software through natural-language prompts.
- Code availability
- It is scheduled to roll out to early-access customers at the end of the month; 365 Premium and Pro subscribers can preview it later this year.
- AI agent
- Autopilot is a revamped version of Microsoft's Scout agent.
- Agent controls
- Autopilot will have its own identity in a company directory and permissions that users can control.
- Office integration
- Word, Excel and PowerPoint are being embedded directly in Copilot.
- Cost management
- New features will give employees direct insight into costs associated with their AI usage.
Quotes
Annie Pearl
Microsoft corporate vice president of Copilot Product
“I think it's been very hard for many organizations to bring agents into the enterprise because of security, compliance and governance concerns”
NDTV
“So we've worked... to make sure that we were building this in a way that would really be able to be used in the enterprise.”
NDTV
Sources
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