Microsoft Unveils New Copilot UI for Word Document Creation

Microsoft Expands Copilot Features Across Its Product Suite

Microsoft is actively enhancing its Copilot functionality within a variety of applications, including Edge, Windows, and the Office suite. While several AI-driven features are already integrated into Office applications, the company is reportedly refining and expanding these capabilities.

New User Interface in Word

Recently, tech enthusiast Michael Reinders uncovered an intriguing update in Microsoft Word: the introduction of a sizable Copilot user interface that appears whenever a new document is opened. This enhancement aims to provide immediate access to AI-powered features, eliminating the need for users to navigate through multiple ribbon tabs or submenus. However, this approach may not resonate well with everyone.

Features Available in the New Copilot Setup

The redesigned user interface offers several impactful options, streamlining the document creation process:

• Generate an article from a provided file
• Compose an email based on a specific topic
• Create a summary of a particular document
• Articulate your writing ideas and intentions

Microsoft testing an updated ‘New Document’ UI in #Word – requires #Microsoft365 CoPilot license…@thurrott @maryjofoley @bdsams @PetriFeed pic.twitter.com/SOKONoYGlT

— Michael Reinders (@mdreinders) November 4, 2024

Current Copilot Features in Word

For users possessing Microsoft 365 Copilot or Copilot Pro licenses, many features are already operational within Word. These include:

• Drafting documents using Copilot
• Summarizing lengthy texts
• Inquiring about the contents of documents
• Engaging in a chatbot-like dialogue with the assistant

The goal appears to be making these advanced functionalities more visible and user-friendly. Although Microsoft has yet to officially announce this new interface, its current testing phase may indicate a cautious approach towards a broader release.

Broader Copilot Enhancements Across Microsoft Apps

In addition to Word, Microsoft is implementing various upgrades to its productivity tools, such as:

• Data cleaning features in Excel
• Quick actions for OneNote on Windows
• Coaching features powered by Copilot
• Copilot functionalities for OneDrive

Interestingly, one application that remains untouched by these AI enhancements is Notepad, which currently lacks any Copilot integration, leaving it to function without the influence of AI capabilities.

For those interested in the latest advancements, more detailed information can be found in the original source.