Microsoft has announced an update to its Office programs with a set of new features based on Copilot. The update includes integration of Python into Copilot in Excel, idea generation in PowerPoint, and the ability to use artificial intelligence to better search for information in Word.
Copilot in Excel now works with Python, one of the most popular programming languages in the world. Users will be able to perform more advanced analysis such as forecasting, risk analysis, machine learning, and visualization of complex data using natural language without the need to know coding. The feature is available in the public preview version of the program.
As a reminder, Microsoft firstadded Python to Excel in August 2023.
In PowerPoint, it is also possible to use artificial intelligence to create ideas and drafts for a future presentation. The AI assistant will also be able to use a branded template to create drafts or company-approved images from the SharePoint library. The new feature in PowerPoint is already publicly available.
In addition, Copilot has received improved functionality in Microsoft Teams. From now on, the chatbot will be able to analyze both the summary of what was said during meetings and the summary of what was discussed in chats.
Users will be able to ask if they missed any questions during the meeting, and artificial intelligence will then check everything said and written to make sure nothing was missed. This functionality will be available in Teams in September.
In addition, in Microsoft Outlook, AI can help you find the messages with the highest priority. AI will analyze the contents of an email inbox, taking into account the context of messages and user roles, such as to whom and to which emails they are replying.
In general, AI will summarize all emails and explain why some of them have become more important. The new feature will be available at the end of 2024.
Copilot will also be able to help you search for files in OneDrive, which will be available at the end of September.
At the end of September, Copilot in Microsoft Word will also receive an update that will allow users to quickly find information on the Internet, in working files from the same Word or PowerPoint. In addition, AI will search for additional information in emails and meeting summaries. In general, Microsoft's AI should become an even better writing assistant and will be able to help at every stage of work.