On 16 September 2024, Microsoft enthusiastically announced the latest updates to Microsoft 365 Copilot, known as “Wave 2”. These updates bring a range of innovative features that could dramatically change the way we work. Here are the key highlights in relation to Modern Work.
1. Copilot Agents in SharePoint
One of the most exciting additions is the introduction of Copilot Agents in SharePoint. These agents can be easily created and shared without any programming skills. They act as knowledgeable teammates who can answer questions and reason about source material. This enables fast and efficient collaboration and information sharing within teams. Moreover, these agents can be customised to an organisation’s specific needs, making them even more valuable for improving productivity and collaboration.
2. Improvements in OneDrive
Copilot in OneDrive now offers the ability to summarise files faster, get replies and compare files. These features are designed to increase productivity by spending less time searching for information and more time doing meaningful work. With the new search capabilities, users can quickly find the documents they need, while the summary function helps to quickly understand the key points of long documents.
3. Copilot Pages
With the new Pages feature, users can edit insights Copilot has found for them, add them to a page and share them with their team. This promotes collaboration and makes it easier to share important information within the organisation. Users can now also add interactive elements to their pages, such as charts and tables, to make information even more insightful.
4. Integration with Microsoft 365 Apps
Copilot continues to improve its integration with Microsoft 365 applications. In Excel, Copilot is now generally available and offers support for formulas, data visualisation and more. In addition, there is a public preview of Copilot in Excel with Python, allowing users to perform advanced analysis without entering any code. This integration allows users to analyse complex datasets and gain valuable insights without the need for in-depth technical knowledge.
5. Future Extensions
Microsoft has announced that more features and enhancements are on the way for Copilot in SharePoint and OneDrive. These ongoing innovations will continue to contribute to a more efficient and productive work environment. Future updates are expected to introduce even more advanced AI capabilities, further enhancing Copilot’s ability to support users in their daily tasks.
Conclusion
The introduction of Microsoft 365 Copilot Wave 2 marks an important step forward in the evolution of Modern Work. With new tools and improved functionality, Copilot enables organisations to work smarter and more efficiently, allowing teams to focus on what really matters. These updates promise to transform the way we work and set a new standard for productivity and collaboration in the modern workplace.
