Upcoming Changes to Microsoft Office Apps
This week, Microsoft has issued a warning to IT administrators regarding a significant update to Office applications. Certain features will cease functioning after a specified deadline, a notification that has been shared via the Microsoft 365 admin center portal.
Redesign of User Interface for Teams and Outlook
In conjunction with this announcement, Microsoft is also preparing to unveil a refreshed user interface (UI) for its Microsoft Teams and Outlook applications. Recent updates to the Microsoft 365 Roadmap indicate that these changes aim to enhance user experience.
Enhancements to Copilot Chat Navigation Pane
The primary focus of this UI overhaul is the Copilot Chat navigation pane. Microsoft’s goal is to create a more intuitive user layout while ensuring consistency in user experience (UX).As part of the redesign, the navigation pane is being moved from the right side of the screen to the left. While this simple repositioning is a key change, further enhancements are likely being implemented to improve usability.
A Brief History of the Update
To provide some context, Microsoft initially began rolling out Copilot features back in January. A comprehensive announcement detailing these features was made a week prior to the rollout, marking an important step in the integration of AI within Microsoft 365 tools.
New Features for Copilot Chat
In addition to the UI adjustments, several new features are on the horizon for Copilot Chat. Although details about the appearance of these enhancements are currently limited, Microsoft’s roadmap does provide insight into the anticipated functionalities.
Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365): Updated UI for Copilot Chat Navigation Pane in Outlook/Teams
The navigation pane has been repositioned from the right to the left, offering a more intuitive layout. Despite this shift, it still hosts agents and conversation history, ensuring continuity in user experience. Additionally, this redesign introduces features such as the “All Conversations”page, which offers a comprehensive view of chat history. The aim is to boost usability and streamline navigation within Copilot Chat.
Access the Microsoft 365 Roadmap
For those interested in exploring more about the upcoming changes, links to the roadmap entries for Outlook and Teams can be found here: 499149, 499148.
User Reactions to the UI Update
While this UI update promises to enhance user experience—particularly for individuals who regularly leverage AI tools in their workflow—some users may still seek further enhancements in UI and UX. Delays in functionality improvements have also contributed to these sentiments.
This focus on refining Copilot and integrating AI features demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to advancing user experience across its applications. As artificial intelligence continues to shape the future of software, Microsoft’s attention to even minor improvements indicates a significant investment in this area.
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