Microsoft Overhauls Copilot With Code Generation, Agentic AI Tools
Microsoft has unveiled several new capabilities in its Copilot app, including code generation and an always-on AI agent, as part of its efforts to transform the tool into a one-stop shop for office workers.
The company is also embedding its Office applications Word, Excel, and PowerPoint directly within Copilot, allowing users to work collaboratively on these apps without having to leave the AI tool.
Microsoft's new 'Code' feature will enable users to build apps, dashboards, and other software using natural language prompts, while the revamped 'Autopilot' agent will carry its own identity in the company directory and have specific permissions that users can control.
The move comes as Microsoft seeks to expand Copilot beyond its chat-based roots to boost adoption, amidst competition with AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Claude.
Marcus also unveiled cost-management capabilities to allow employees to have direct insight into costs tied to their AI usage, addressing concerns over rapid AI usage racking up unexpected costs.
According to Annie Pearl, corporate vice president of Copilot Product, 'I think it's been very hard for many organizations to bring agents into the enterprise because of security, compliance and governance concerns.'