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Society is abuzz with the emergence of AI technology, and tools like ChatGPT and Bard have generated significant excitement. Developers are in a race to introduce advanced features to their applications that can automate tasks for consumers, and these features range from composing emails to generating follow-up checklists based on contact data. 

These AI-powered applications go beyond process automation, and people are utilising them to draft business correspondence, build websites, and even script writing, and AI is rapidly reshaping the everyday workflow in offices. 

Microsoft, a major player in the field of office applications, leads the way in introducing transformative technologies, and the company is on the verge of revolutionising Microsoft 365 with its new Copilot tool. 

Microsoft 365 Copilot is an innovative tool designed to enhance consumers’ experience with their Microsoft 365 apps, and it serves as an intelligent and personalised assistant, aiming to optimise user navigation and utilisation of M365. 

This article takes an in-depth look at Microsoft 365 Copilot and outlines the key ways it will enhance M365 apps and improve business workflows. 

What Is Microsoft 365 Copilot? 

Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI-powered assistant that assists consumers in their day-to-day tasks with M365 apps, and it is akin to having a personal assistant integrated into Microsoft Office apps. People can ask Copilot questions, seek task assistance, and receive personalised recommendations, and Copilot leverages the context of user interaction patterns to provide tailored responses. 

Microsoft 365 Copilot functions across all M365 apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more, and some of the tasks it can assist with include working on a document, scheduling a meeting, or collaborating with a team. 

How Does Microsoft 365 Copilot Work? 

Employing AI and machine learning, Microsoft 365 Copilot comprehends consumers’ needs and delivers personalised assistance. By analysing peoples’ interactions with M365 apps, it learns their usage patterns and offers recommendations based on their preferences. 

For instance, suppose you frequently utilise specific features in Excel. In that case, Microsoft 365 Copilot will take note of this and provide suggestions when it detects you working on a similar task, or if you are struggling with design while working on a PowerPoint presentation, Copilot can offer suggestions aligned with your company’s brand guidelines. 

Microsoft 365 Copilot assists people with common tasks and people can simply ask Copilot for help, requesting it to schedule a meeting or find an email from a particular person. 

Why Is Microsoft Copilot Important? 

Copilot holds significant importance as it enhances consumers’ productivity and efficiency. By providing personalised support, this tool saves time and reduces frustration. 

Imagine you’re working on a report in Word and encountering difficulties formatting a table. Rather than spending time searching for a solution online or attempting to resolve it independently, you can simply ask Microsoft 365 Copilot for assistance. Copilot can offer suggestions and even guide you through the process. 

Furthermore, Microsoft 365 Copilot enables consumers to unlock the full potential of their M365 apps. Many people might be unaware of the multitude of features and capabilities within M365 apps, however with Copilot, they can discover new ways to work more efficiently and effectively. 

The capabilities of Copilot extend even further. Suppose you need to provide your team with an update on a marketing strategy. Instead of searching through emails, chat threads, or meeting notes, you can simply ask Copilot to “inform my team about the marketing strategy update.” The app will then search across all relevant sources and create an update for your team. 

Require a first draft of a meeting agenda or presentation? Copilot can do that too, as it can access existing M365 documents and content, and generate an initial draft for you. 

The Benefits of Using Microsoft 365 Copilot 

Personalised Assistance 

Microsoft 365 Copilot provides tailored help based on usage patterns and preferences. This ensures that consumers receive assistance precisely when they need it, eliminating the need for independent problem-solving. 

Time Savings 

Microsoft 365 Copilot helps consumers save time on routine tasks like meeting scheduling and document formatting. It takes care of information-gathering tasks, such as summarising meeting notes, which significantly reduces the time spent on manual tasks, including information search. 

Reduced Frustration 

Microsoft 365 Copilot alleviates frustration by providing solutions when consumers encounter difficulties. Whether it’s an Excel chart or table causing trouble, Copilot can handle the task for them, eliminating the need for people to navigate complex processes themselves. 

Enhanced Productivity 

Microsoft Copilot extends the capabilities of traditional business apps. For example, in PowerPoint, you can command Copilot to create a presentation for you, saying, “Generate a six-slide presentation based on this document.” Additionally, you can request it to find suitable Microsoft stock photos and insert them. 

When Will Microsoft 365 Copilot Be Available? 

As of writing, Microsoft has not yet announced a release date for Copilot. The tool is currently being tested and it is expected to receive an official release in the near future.  Copilot will be available for preview to beta testers in June 2023.

Microsoft has released an introductory video for Copilot which can be viewed on YouTube. 

If you require assistance with your Microsoft tools give Aryon a call on +61 7 3414 0600, or send us a message via our contact page.