Microsoft is blazing a trail in the world of AI with its upcoming Copilot “AI agents” set to revolutionize Microsoft 365. One of these agents is geared towards translating speakers’ voices during meetings on Microsoft Teams, with a public preview slated for early 2025.
The translation feature will support languages like Mandarin, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, and Spanish. Users can even instruct the agent to mimic their voice and speaking style in the translated language. Additionally, Teams will soon boast a new AI transcription feature that can translate into 31 languages. Another exciting tool on the horizon will allow Copilot to convert entire PowerPoint presentations into 40 different languages while maintaining their original formatting.
Microsoft’s Copilot enterprise agents, which are customizable AI-based apps, are making waves in various industries. Initially catering to sales and finance companies, a new wave of agents will be released to other sectors by early 2024. These agents will streamline tasks such as summarizing discussions, answering questions, and scheduling meetings based on users’ calendars.
SharePoint tools are also getting an AI upgrade, with a new assistant capable of providing information on products, aiding in training, and facilitating budget planning. Subscribers to 365 can expect the introduction of SharePoint Advanced Management at no extra cost starting in early 2025.
Other companies like ServiceNow, Workday, and Cohere are following suit by developing their own AI agents. Microsoft’s partnership with companies like S&P Global and CB Insights will enhance Copilot’s data access capabilities.
While Microsoft is betting big on GenAI, accuracy remains a key concern for features like translation and summaries. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has criticized Microsoft’s Copilot Agent rollout, citing issues with accuracy, data, and security. However, Salesforce is gearing up to compete with its own Agentforce AI tools. Apple Intelligence’s recent debut has also sparked discussion about the reliability of generative AI summaries.
Microsoft assures users that limiting AI agents to user-determined datasets will ensure accuracy. The upcoming public betas will put this claim to the test, showcasing the potential of AI technology in the modern business landscape.
