Microsoft Copilot Unveils New Features with Overhaul

Microsoft is overhauling its Copilot AI tool with three new components: Home, Code, and Autopilot. The revamped app aims to be the foundation for all types of interaction, from chat features to agent-based workflows, much like Office.

Home serves as the starting point within Copilot, offering users a choice between Chat and Cowork. Chat is the quick conversation mode, while Cowork allows users to delegate tasks such as RFP responses or financial closings. In the near future, Copilot will automatically route these tasks without requiring user input.

Cowork is an autonomous agent that creates its own plan and carries out tasks in Excel, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint. It's based on technology from the Claude app, which enabled non-developers to use domain-specific tools. Code enables any employee to describe an app or workflow in natural language, and Copilot will build it as requested.

Autopilot, previously known as Scout, is an agent that operates autonomously within a user's Microsoft 365 environment. It has its own identity, memory, and workspace, and can be mentioned in Teams and Outlook. Microsoft is introducing usage-based billing for Cowork, Code, and Autopilot, with Copilot Credits.