Microsoft announced a new feature called Copilot Actions at the Ignite Conference. This innovation for Microsoft 365 Copilot users allows the automation of repetitive tasks in daily business life. In addition, artificial intelligence-based agents are being added to SharePoint, while important updates are being made to popular applications such as PowerPoint and Outlook.
Currently in private preview, Copilot Actions is designed to enable users to automate repetitive tasks in daily business processes. For example, you can automatically create action summaries from Teams meetings, prepare weekly reports, or plan meeting preparations. Once configured, Copilot Actions functions as a self-running AI macro and requires minimal intervention from the user.
With this feature, Microsoft aims to reduce users’ workload and provide a more efficient working experience.
Microsoft offers other innovations besides Copilot Actions
Microsoft continues to work to increase Copilot’s capabilities. Particularly noteworthy are the new features added to popular Office applications such as PowerPoint and Excel:
- PowerPoint Translation Feature: Starting in early 2024, users will be able to translate their presentations into 40 different languages. In addition, the Copilot Narrative Builder feature will be able to create more effective drafts by using brand templates, speaker notes and transition effects.
- Fresh Start Experience for Excel: Copilot aims to provide users with a quick start by recommending templates with headings, formulas and images based on their needs.
- Smart Scheduling in Outlook: Copilot for Outlook can determine the best time for one-on-one meetings and automatically generate the meeting agenda. This feature will be available to all users by the end of November.
Microsoft continues to introduce the artificial intelligence-supported Copilot Agents concept to the business world. The company recently introduced agents focusing on areas such as sales, finance and customer service. Now, these artificial intelligence agents are being integrated into SharePoint. Users can summarize documents on SharePoint, ask questions about different files, or create AI responses specific to a particular site or list of files.
These innovations can be considered as part of Microsoft’s commitment to integrating AI-powered solutions into broader areas of business. These updates, which specifically increase the functionality of Copilot, aim to help users streamline complex processes and increase productivity.