Microsoft is going all-in on AI, and Copilot is at the centre of this transformation. Over the past few months, we’ve seen major updates to Copilot across Microsoft 365 apps, making AI-powered productivity a reality. Whether you’re using Teams, Outlook, Excel, or Planner, Copilot is bringing new efficiencies to the way we work.
I have a Copilot licence and have been experimenting with Copilot agents. I’m finding it a bit hit and miss, but I remain optimistic—it’s still early days, and I truly believe we’re on the cusp of some major transformations in how we work. AI is evolving rapidly, and I’m excited about its capabilities. There are so many fascinating tools appearing on the market right now, and AI is undoubtedly the biggest buzz in tech.
Here are some of the latest Copilot updates—some of which I’ve tried and others I’m planning to explore:
1. Copilot in Teams: Smarter Meetings & AI-Driven Collaboration
I’ve been using Copilot in Microsoft Teams for a while now, and as a consultant, this has been one of the most useful features. The AI-generated meeting summaries, key highlights, and suggested action items help me stay on top of projects without having to take extensive notes. If you’ve ever struggled to catch up on conversations or keep track of meeting outcomes, this feature is a game-changer.
2. Copilot in Excel: AI-Driven Data Insights with Python Integration
This one sounds fantastic, but I’ll be honest—I’m not a heavy Excel user. When it comes to my Microsoft skills, I’m just grateful that Copilot can help me with formulas, and that’s about as far as I go with Excel. However, for those who work extensively with data, the Python integration in Copilot could be a real game-changer.
3. Copilot in Outlook: Smarter Email Summarisation & Drafting
I use Copilot in Outlook sporadically, mostly when I’m pressed for time. It’s incredibly useful for drafting emails and summarising content, especially when I have a packed schedule. It can help generate responses, pull key points from long email threads, and suggest follow-ups—making email management much easier.
4. Copilot in Planner: AI-Powered Project Management
This is something I’ll try when I need it, but it sounds great—if it works. Copilot in Planner now includes an AI-powered Project Manager agent, which can create tasks from PDFs and optimise scheduling. I haven’t tested it out yet, but I’ll be checking this one out soon.
5. Copilot Subscription Plans: Is It Worth the Cost?
A Copilot licence isn’t cheap—it costs about $50 per month per person. However, if it saves you several hours to complete just one task, then it’s worth the investment. For those of us juggling multiple responsibilities, having AI assistance that speeds up workflows and reduces manual effort can quickly justify the price.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re a Microsoft 365 user, AI-powered workflows are now within reach. Copilot is set to redefine workplace productivity, automating repetitive tasks and helping us focus on higher-value work. As these updates continue rolling out, expect even more intelligent automation across Microsoft 365 apps.
Are you excited about these Copilot updates? Have you tried any of them yet? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how AI is changing the way you work!
