Microsoft expands automation capabilities of its apps with new ‘Copilot Actions’ feature

Microsoft’s Copilot AI platform is expanding with new automation capabilities and improvements across Microsoft 365 applications, marking a significant step forward in streamlining workplace productivity.

Key innovations: Microsoft has unveiled Copilot Actions, a new feature that enables users to automate routine tasks through AI-powered workflows.

• The system functions similar to an intelligent macro, operating autonomously based on user-defined parameters and fill-in-the-blank prompts
• Users can automate tasks like generating meeting summaries, creating weekly reports, and preparing for meetings
• The feature is currently available in private preview for Microsoft 365 Copilot users

PowerPoint enhancements: Significant updates to PowerPoint’s AI capabilities are scheduled for early 2024, focusing on improved presentation creation and accessibility.

• New translation capabilities will support conversion of presentations into 40 different languages
• The Copilot Narrative Builder will leverage branded templates, speaker notes, and built-in animations to create more polished presentations
• Integration with SharePoint will allow seamless incorporation of images into presentations

Excel and Outlook improvements: Microsoft is introducing new productivity features to streamline spreadsheet creation and meeting management.

• Excel users will benefit from an enhanced start experience with AI-suggested templates, headers, formulas, and visuals
• Outlook’s Copilot will offer improved meeting scheduling capabilities, suggesting optimal times for one-on-one meetings
• The platform will automatically generate meeting agendas, with this feature rolling out by the end of the month

SharePoint integration: The introduction of AI agents to SharePoint expands document management and collaboration capabilities.

• New features enable document summarization and cross-file data queries
• Users can create custom AI agents specific to SharePoint sites or file collections
• The system supports intelligent responses about content within SharePoint environments

Future implications: While these updates demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to AI-driven workplace innovation, the true test will be user adoption and the practical impact on daily workflows, particularly in enterprise environments where efficiency gains must be balanced against security and reliability concerns.