Microsoft Expands Copilot With Coding Tool and Always-On AI Agent
REDMOND: Microsoft has unveiled new capabilities for its Copilot app as it seeks to turn the AI assistant into a broader workplace productivity platform.
The company announced a new coding tool, an always-on AI agent and deeper integration with its Office applications.
Microsoft will also bring Word, Excel and PowerPoint directly into Copilot. Users will be able to work on the applications without leaving the AI assistant.
Microsoft shares rose about 3% in early trading following the announcements.
Copilot Gets New Coding Tool
Microsoft introduced Code, a tool that allows users to create apps, dashboards and other software using natural language prompts.
The feature uses the same technology that powers Microsoft’s GitHub Copilot coding assistant.
Microsoft plans to offer Code to early-access customers by the end of September. Microsoft 365 Premium and Pro subscribers will be able to preview the tool later this year.
The move expands Copilot beyond its original chat-based functions as Microsoft competes with AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Claude.
New AI Agent Targets Businesses
Microsoft also announced Autopilot, a revamped version of its Scout AI agent first unveiled in June.
The company plans to begin a private preview at the end of September.
Autopilot will act as a digital coworker within an organisation. It will have its own identity in the company directory and receive specific permissions controlled by users.
Microsoft said the design aims to address concerns around security, compliance and governance that have slowed the adoption of AI agents in businesses.
“I think it’s been very hard for many organizations to bring agents into the enterprise because of security, compliance and governance concerns,” Annie Pearl, Microsoft corporate vice president of Copilot Product, said.
She said Microsoft had worked to build the technology in a way that organisations could use within enterprise environments.
Microsoft Adds AI Cost Controls
Microsoft also introduced new cost-management features for Copilot.
The tools will allow employees to see costs linked to their AI usage directly.
The move comes as businesses increasingly monitor spending on AI services. Companies have raised concerns that rapid adoption of AI tools and agents could lead to unexpected costs.
With the latest additions, Microsoft is expanding Copilot from a conversational assistant into a wider workplace platform that combines software development, Office applications, AI agents and cost management.
