Microsoft Unveils Sneak Peek into Copilot for OneDrive, Introducing Intelligent Document Assistance

Microsoft has unveiled a sneak peek into Copilot for OneDrive through a recent blog post, slated for release in late April. This innovative feature is poised to function as a versatile research assistant, capable of locating, condensing, and extracting information from a diverse array of files. From text documents like Word and rich text files to presentations, spreadsheets, HTML pages, and PDFs, Copilot for OneDrive will offer comprehensive support. Users will have the flexibility to customize summaries to their preferences, specifying whether to include key points or highlights from specific sections.

This development has been on the horizon since Microsoft's announcement last fall regarding the third generation of its cloud storage service, OneDrive. The incorporation of AI promises to streamline file searches, enhance efficiency, and facilitate intelligent document summarization and organization. Whether users need assistance in locating tax documents or condensing lengthy PowerPoint presentations, Copilot for OneDrive aims to meet their needs efficiently.

Moreover, the chatbot will possess the ability to respond to natural language prompts and address specific inquiries regarding the contents of users' files. Examples provided by Microsoft include tasks such as tabulating sales data for a week or compiling the pros and cons of a project. Furthermore, users can seek advice on document enhancement directly from Copilot.

Copilot on OneDrive will also offer features like creating outlines, tables, and lists based on existing files. For instance, users can request Copilot to generate a sales pitch outline or compile a table of resumes with specific criteria. Additionally, users can anticipate early access to Copilot later this month, with Microsoft rolling out AI-generated summaries of shared documents. Recipients will have the convenience of accessing summaries directly from their email before opening the document.

This feature will be accessible on OneDrive for web and via the file viewer in Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint. It will be available to work and school customers with a Copilot for Microsoft 365 license starting in late April.

This feature will be accessible on OneDrive for web and via the file viewer in Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint