SAN FRANCISCO: Microsoft is expanding the role of its artificial intelligence assistant Copilot by integrating Word, Excel and PowerPoint features directly into the platform, allowing users to create, edit and share files without switching between separate applications.
The new experience will become available in the coming weeks for individual Microsoft 365 subscribers and businesses participating in Microsoft’s testing programme.
Copilot brings Office tools into one platform
Microsoft said the update represents a deeper integration of its productivity suite with AI, moving beyond simplified document viewing features offered by other technology companies.
“Many people have put simplified document viewers into their products over the course of the last year. But this is full-blown Office,” Jacob Andreou, Microsoft’s executive vice president overseeing Copilot, told the media.
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The move comes as AI companies including OpenAI and Anthropic continue developing their own document creation tools. Both companies are also key suppliers for Microsoft, with Copilot relying mainly on their AI models.
Microsoft expands AI automation features
Copilot now includes Autopilot, an AI system designed to handle automated tasks continuously. Previously known as Scout, Microsoft described the technology as an “always-on” assistant capable of operating online even when a user’s computer is switched off.
The feature remains available to a limited number of clients.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella compared the growth of AI workplace tools to the arrival of personal computers, highlighting how technologies such as spreadsheets transformed business communication.
Focus on flexible AI systems
Nadella said an important challenge for companies is ensuring they can switch between different AI models without losing data or organisational knowledge.
Microsoft’s Copilot subscription costs $30 per user per month and provides access to features such as data analysis and document drafting. More advanced AI agents, which require greater computing resources, are charged based on usage.
Andreou said companies should identify employees who can benefit most from advanced AI tools while expanding access across organisations over time.
