Microsoft is rebranding its productivity and collaboration suite to Microsoft 365 Copilot as part of its ongoing AI integration. The update, set for January 2025, includes a name change, new icon, and a redesigned user interface aimed at simplifying the experience and prioritizing AI tools. The new interface will feature a left-hand toolbar consolidating settings and tools, while removing the top app header and retiring features like “Help me create” and “My Day” to reduce clutter.
In addition to these interface changes, the Copilot Chat tool is being renamed Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat and will become available to all Microsoft 365 and Office users. This tool will provide web-based chat capabilities with enterprise-grade data protection, offering access to content from SharePoint and Graph Connector. The full 365 Copilot experience, which includes integration across apps like Word, Outlook, and Teams, will require a paid subscription.
At the Microsoft Ignite 2024 conference, the company revealed several new AI-powered agents for 365 Copilot, including tools for decision-making, HR queries, and team collaboration. A real-time Interpreter agent and a Project Manager agent are also set to launch in 2025. Additional updates will enhance apps like Teams, PowerPoint, and Excel with new features like meeting summaries, branded presentations, and task-specific templates.
For IT admins, 365 Copilot will offer new analytics tools to provide insights into business performance and optimize IT management. This marks a significant step in Microsoft’s AI-driven evolution, aimed at boosting productivity and simplifying workflows across its suite of applications.
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