Author: rquickenden

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Beyond OpenAI: Microsoft Copilot flirts with Claude.

Microsoft has started to broaden their AI horizons by adding their first (not Open AI) model into Copilot.

Microsoft are integrating Anthropic’s Claude models into Microsoft 365 Copilot which marks a significant pivot from their exclusive OpenAI-centric approach. Microsoft are also working on their models which we already see on Copilot Plus PCs which will at some point make their way to Copilot.

This move is more than just a new menu option or toggle, it is part of their strategic play to diversify AI capabilities and reduce dependency on a single vendor.

Claude Opus and Sonnet in Copilot.

Claude Opus 4.1 and Sonnet 4 are now available to commercial Frontier Copilot users, (Corporate early adoptors) offering, for the first time, alternatives to Open AI’s GPT models for agents in Copilot Studio and also for their Researcher Agent.

Copilot Studio Model Selector (preview)

It’s worth noting that enabling access does require admin approval. See later.

In the formal annoucement, Microsoft said that Anthropic’s models will unlock “more powerful experiences” for users.

Claude Model option in Copilot Researcher.

Claude is not new to Microsoft however, with it already embedded in Visual Studio and Azure AI alongside Google’s AI and Elon Musk’s Grok. This is, however the first time Copilot launch that we have seen non OpenAI models powering Copilot.

Why This Matters

Microsoft’s shift to leveraging different models reflects a broader trend. Microsoft’s message here is that Copilot is no longer about a single model or even vendor, bit more about orchestration, choice, and adaptability.

Different models have different areas of excellence and this sets the foundations for Microsoft to give flexibilityto tailor and tune AI experiences to specific business needs  using the most appropriate model for the task.

It does, however, raise questions around governance, model performance, and cost. With multiple models in play, we don’t really know how the future of pricing will work if multi model is the future for Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Data Sovereignty and Multi-Model Concerns?

One question I’m already seeing is around Microsoft’s boundary of trust and responsibility, something Microsoft boast around with their Microsoft 365 portfolio.

While the flexibility of multi-model AI is compelling, the question is does it introduce new considerations around data residency and compliance when multi models are being used?

To address that, Microsoft has confirmed that these Claude models run within its Azure AI infrastructure, but states that are not Microsoft-owned. This means that when users “opt to” use Claude, their prompts and responses may be processed by Anthropic’s models hosted within Microsoft’s environment.

This means that when organisations choose to use Anthropic models, they are using these under Anthropic’s Commercial Terms of Service, not the consumer user terms.

For regulated industries or organisations with strict data governance policies, this is likely to raises a few red flags or at least questions that Microsoft will need to be able to answer.

  • Data Boundary Clarity: Is the data staying within Microsoft’s compliance boundary, or is it crossing into Anthropic’s operational domain? If so what does this mean for data compliance and security?
  • Model-Specific Logging: Are logs and telemetry handled differently across models? Can organisations audit usage per model? How is encrypted data handled?
  • Privacy and Consent: Are users aware when their data is being processed by a non-Microsoft model? Is consent granular enough? Will users understand even if Microsoft tell them?

Again, Microsoft has stated that Claude models are “fully integrated” into the Microsoft 365 compliance framework, but organisations will still want to (and should) validate this against their own risk posture – especially where sensitive or regulated data is involved.

Enabling Claude models in Copilot.

To enable the models, your Microsoft 365 Admin needs to head over to the Microsoft 365 Admin Centre and enable access to the other models. Instructions for this are shown in the link below.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/microsoft-365/connect-to-ai-models?s=09

Thoughts.

This is a smart move I think. Microsoft is playing the long game — moving their eggs out of one basket and looking a different models that made most economic and performance sense and brining more choice to agent builders.

For those of us partners like us at Cisilion, advising clients on AI adoption, this reinforces the need to think modularly. When building agents, don’t just pick a model – pick a framework that allows you to evolve. Microsoft’s Copilot is becoming that framework and that should be good for business.

I do expect this is just the start. We know Microsoft’s relationship with OpenAI is “less properpous” that it once was. As such I do expect more models, more integrations, and more choice and I do think we will see Microsoft’s own models making their way to Copilot soon.

But with choice comes complexity. We need to ensure that governance, transparency, and user education keep pace with innovation. Again partners will need to help customers navigate this.

What do you think. Is this a good move for Microsoft and their customers?

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What is Cisco’s Sovereign Critical Infrastructure?

Cisco yesterday announced what they referred to as a “significant milestone” in Europe’s journey toward digital sovereignty.

Their Sovereign Critical Infrastructure portfolio is a comprehensive, air-gapped solution designed to give European organisations full control over their digital environments – from infrastructure, through collaboration, through to data.

This will be available from the end of this month (September 2025).

Why Sovereignty Matters?

The concept of digital sovereignty is not new, but its urgency has accelerated due to the increasing geopolitical tensions, evolving compliance frameworks, and the rise of AI-powered infrastructure. Some organisations across Europe – ranging from governments to banks and healthcare providers are looking for more ways to obtain better more autonomy and control over all or aspects of their IT environments, expecially in fields such as research and development or for high wealth clients etc.

You may recall, Microsoft announced their Sovereign Cloud offering for Microsoft 365 and Azure “local” earlier this year.

The technology will enable organisations to formally meet compliance requirements by delivering solutions aligned with key foundational, EU and country certifications and standards and ultimately achieving the new European Union Cybersecurity Certification (EUCC).

Is this just on-prem Data Centers?

Yes… but no. Cisco’s new offering is not just about hosting data and compute services locally; it’s about owning the infrastructure, managing encryption, and ensuring operational resilience without external dependencies. The other important aspect is the infrastructure is managed in the same fluid ways that cloud infrastructure is managed rather than the trabdiotnal ways of managing and patching applications and updates that were familiar in on premises environments.

It will enable organisations to deploy hybrid or on premises solutions aligned with key foundational, EU and country certifications and standards and ultimately achieving the new European Union Cybersecurity Certification (EUCC).

What does Cisco’s  Sovereign Infrastructure include?

This infrastructure portfolio includes:

  • Configurable and Air-Gapped: Customers will be able to deploy the infrastructure on-premises, with full control over licensing and encryption. Cisco cannot remotely disable or update products — a major shift in trust and control.
  • Compliance-Ready: The portfolio aligns with EU and country-specific certifications, including IPv6-readiness, Common Criteria, and a roadmap toward the EU Cybersecurity Certification (EUCC).
  • Broad Coverage: It will span routing, switching, wireless, collaboration, and select endpoint devices. It will be enhanced by Cisco and Splunk’s end to end security and observability solutions.

Strategic Business Enablement

What is important to take away here is that this is not just a new product announcement. For many EU organisations it will be seen as a niche buisness enabler.

For organisations needing or wanting to  navigate true hybrid environments, address increasing regulatory pressures, and manage AI adoption, model training and AI R&D for closed systems, Cisco’s Sovereign Critical Infrastructure offers a flexible foundation for building secure, compliant, and future-ready AI and digital estates.

IDC’s commentary on this shares that they are seeing huge increases in spend (across KEY European counties) on on-premises DC infrastructure which is reinforces this shift. They say that on-prem IT is now commanding the majority of IT budgets across parts of Europe despite the overall continual rise of hybrid and cloud services models.

“On-prem IT still requires connectivity. Here the importance of network sovereignty cannot be underestimated, especially for organizations responsible for critical national infrastructure. Operational resilience is key for these organizations, who seek the extra controls, protections, and autonomy that genuine digital sovereignty solutions can bring. This is especially true when it comes to network sovereignty—a challenge that few network infrastructure providers thus far have been able to address.” | IDC

Sovereignty, especially in networking, in these scenarios is essential.

Closing thoughts

Cisco’s goal is to better enable European organisations to build infrastructure that uniquely aligned to their needs whether that is hybrid cloud or descretely on-premises. The platform promises not only secure and compliant infrastructure services but also benefits from modern management, resilient and autonomous operations which is a critical capability in the AI and digitial transformation era.

More reading and source: https://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/a/y2025/m09/cisco-announces-sovereign-critical-infrastructure-portfolio.html

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Microsoft Power Platform Licensing Guide

Microsoft have made their monthly-updated Power Platform Licensing Deck publicly available. Now, you might think this is not worthy of a blog post, but for many organisations, this information has always been hidden away meaning organisations had to talk to Microsoft or their licensing / support partner to “understand” how Power Platform is licensed against a bunch of different scenarios.

The guides (see below) include a couple of slides on each of the Power Platform products which gives a nice overview of the products, licensing, and comparisons between the different ways of using, consuming, and purchasing.

Links to these are below for your consumption.

Click to access Power-Platform-Licensing-Deck-September-2025.pdf

Click to access Power-Platform-Licensing-Guide-September-2025-PUB-V2.pdf

What is Microsoft Power Platform?

Power Platform refers to a suite of “Low-Code” Microsoft Products aimed to help “builders” create integrated and autonomous workflows, build apps, create agents and web-pages, as well as create adn manage data sets and AI powered applications etc.

What is Low Code?

Low code is a way of building business applications and automations using simple, visual tools -like drag-and-drop interfaces – instead of traditional, complex computer programming. Low Code development allows people who aren’t professional software developers to create apps, automate processes, and solve business problems quickly, often just by clicking, selecting, and configuring options or (with Copilot) by using “prompts”, rather than writing lots of code. It can help make digital transformation faster and more accessible for everyone within in the organisation – not just IT.

The products that make up Microsoft Power Platform portolio include this up include Power Apps, Power Automate, Power Pages, Dataverse and AI Builder. There is also Power BI for data visualisation and manipulation.

Power Apps

Is a “low-code platform” to build custom business apps quickly, with flexible licensing for single or unlimited apps per user. Ideal for modernising processes and enabling app development across teams.

Power Automate

Enables automation of workflows across apps and services using cloud flows and robotic process automation (RPA). It offers user-based, flow-based, and bot-based licensing for attended and unattended scenarios.

Power Pages

Is a secure, low-code platform for building external-facing websites with authenticated or anonymous access. Licensing is based on user volume, with both subscription and pay-as-you-go options.

AI Builder

Empowers users and developers to build, train, and deploy AI models without coding, using a credit-based system. Integrated with Power Apps and Power Automate; it supports scenarios like document processing and prediction.

Dataverse

Is a scalable, secure data platform that underpins the Power Platform, enabling structured data storage and management. Offers default and accrued capacity, with add-ons for database, file, and log storage.

Copilot Studio

A low-code conversational AI platform to design, build, and deploy custom copilots and chatbots. Integrates with Microsoft 365 and external data sources, with licensing based on usage and capacity.

Microsoft Support Pages

The link here, gives the formal pages from Microsoft for you to book mark:

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Teams in Microsoft 365 is back for good (but it’s your choice)

It’s back!  Starting November 1, 2025, Microsoft Teams is officially “back” in the Microsoft 365 and Office 365 Enterprise suites globally, but the choice to have it not sit with organisations and not Microsoft!

After years of regulatory issues, stalls, conceats and negotiations as well as regional licensing inconsistencies, Microsoft has reached a landmark agreement with the European Commission that reshapes how Microsoft Teams is packaged, priced, bundled and positioned across their modern work and productivity suites.

This agreement has spared Microsoft the potential antitrust fine and reputation damage.

The EU Commission decision makes Microsoft’s commitments (which were agreed) binding for seven years and for ten years regarding interoperability and data portability between platform.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just a licensing update it’s a fundamental “win” and global reset for Teams in Microsoft 365 and Office. After being forced to u bundle Teams from Office last year, causing cost increases, confusion and frustration for customers and partners, the change in decision actually follows a multi-year antitrust investigation originally triggered by Slack and Alfaview, who argued that bundling Teams with Microsoft 365 gave Microsoft an “unfair market advantage”. The European Commission had agreed, citing violations of Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

To resolve the issue, Microsoft agreed and committed to:

  • Offering Microsoft 365 and Office 365 suites with or without Teams globally, not just in Europe.
  • Introducing new pricing tiers that reflect organisations choice of whether to have teams or not have teams included, with clearer cost differentiation.
  • Enhancing interoperability and data portability, which will allow customers  more transparent ways to migrate Teams data to other and competing platforms.
  • Providing APIs and developer tools to support third-party integrations to further promote a more open and fair ecosystem.

In short. The decision is “do you want Microsoft 365 with Teams or without“.

What’s Changing for Customers

Whether you’re an enterprise, medium or small business, the change is synonymous and ultimately gives organisations more choice and control:

  • Choice: in whether you want to have Microsoft Teams included as part of your Microsoft 365 or Office 365 suite. No more default bundling.
  • Transparency: with clearer pricing including reduced rates for suites without Teams Included.
  • Flexibility: Long-term license holders can switch to the “Teams-free” versions should they wish.
  • Consistency: The same options and pricing structures apply globally for every organisation across every region, meaning and end to regional licensing differences and rules.

In short. The decision is “do you want Microsoft 365 with Teams or without“.

Strategic Implications.

For organisations globally, this is a opportunity to reassess their productivity and collaboration strategy.

The global unbundling option opens the door to hybrid environments where Teams coexists across the business or departments meaning it’s more cost effective (IT integrations and support aside) to have multiple collaboration platforms such as to Slack, Zoom, or Webex for example.

Microsoft’s commitment to interoperability means third-party tools can now also fully embed Office Web Apps and access Teams-like functionality without being locked into the Microsoft stack or needed cumberson plug-ins which break the user interface and confuse users.

From a licensing perspective, this should also simplify procurement and renewals. There will be no more navigating region-specific bundles or opaque pricing.

For developers, the expanded API access is also a win and should help with line of business integration and interoperability across the board.

In short. The decision is “do you want Microsoft 365 with Teams or without“.

Talk to your Microsoft Partner

If you’re navigating Microsoft licensing or wondering how this impacts can positively impact your business come talk to your Microsoft Partner.

Whether you’re rethinking your collaboration  strategy, looking to better understand and optimise your licensing or need help with technology deployment, adoption or training, we can help.

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Microsoft Copilot Consumer brings Memory Management and Google Drive Integration

Microsoft Copilot is adding with two new major updates (this time for the consumer experience) that bring it closer to the more personalised AI experience users have been asking and waiting for.

Copilot Memory Management

One of the biggest asks for the consumer version of  Copilot has been its lack of persistent memory, something that ChatGPT and Microsoft 365 Copilot have both had for a little while.

Memory is one of the key features helps makes AI feel much more personal and it’s finally coming to the Copilot Consumer experience that you use via the Windows App, mobile app and at https://copilot.microsoft.com.

A new Manage Memory feature within the Copilot profile tab is now starting to roll out which allows users to tell Copilot to specifically “remember this.”

Copilot Memory

Right now, unlike the Microsoft 365 Copilot version, there is not a way to view or edit your saved memories, but there is an option, via Privacy settings, to delete them and essentially “start over”.

Copilot Memory Management in Copilot Consumer

Think of this as resetting your TV and having to add all your favourite apps and channels again!

Microsoft have confirmed however that full memory management interface is coming soon, similar to what Microsoft 365 Copilot and ChatGPT has. This will eventually allow users to add, edit

Personally, Memory Management will make a huge different to how we work with Copilot and helps ensure greater user control and transparency.

Third Party App Integration.

Microsoft is also expanding their Connectors Ecosystem, which is what is used to connect and integrate third-party services. Support for Microsoft apps and services such as OneDrive is already supported, but they are now testing with Insiders Google Drive integration.

Integration into OneDrive and *soon* Google Drive means users will be able to do such things as:

  • Ask Copilot to read files or folders from users OneDrive or  Google Drive
  • Generate summaries, create reports and other content on your data stored in cloud drive
  • Access and leverage OneDrive and soon Google Drive data in workflows across the web, Windows 11 app and mobile.

This builds on the existing ChatGPT-style connectors framework and opens the door for broader integrations in future. Microsoft is not new to having extensive open API connection to their apps and services so watch out for more native connectors coming your way soon!

Great for Consumers

These updates signal Microsoft’s continued innovation in their AI services and commitment to make Copilot a more intelligent, connected, and user-centric assistant.

For professionals, students and general users alike, the ability to manage memory and connect to third party cloud services like Google Drive will unlock new productivity scenarios.

As someone who’s personally deeply invested and embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem, I see this as a positive move – but one that must be backed by clear user controls, privacy safeguards, and cross-platform consistency.

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Copilot Chat comes to Enterprise Office Apps for all

Microsoft is in the process of Copilotizing Business / Enterprise versions of your Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote) even for users that don’t have a Microsoft 365 Copilot License.

Microsoft say that “These updates help make Copilot your true personal AI assistant for work: Whether you’re drafting a document, analyzing a spreadsheet, or catching up on email, Copilot is right there, ready to answer questions, create content, spark ideas, and automate tasks. Here’s what’s new.”

Copilot Chat Interface

This familiar Copilot sidebar will understand the context of your open files, document, PowerPoint or spreadsheet and helps to draft, summarise, analyse, and brainstorm without having to switch apps or leaving your app.

Copilot Chat in Office

Microsoft is introducing a persistent Copilot Chat pane in the ribbon of all it’s core Microsoft 365 Office apps. It will be be:

  • Fully  integrated and content-aware, meaning it will tailors responses based on your current open file.
  • Including in the Core Microsoft 365 license (no specific Microsoft 365 Copilot license required).
  • Will have the ability draft, summarise, assist with content and formulas and of course create and rewrite content.
  • Front and centre to your apps removing (Microsoft hope) the need to deploy other “free” AI plugins such as GPT free which might inadvertently share sensitive data outside your organisation. This is key for organisational compliance, governance and privacy.

How it differs from the Microsoft 365 Copilot license?

The “premium” Microsoft 365 Copilot licence still offers all the advanced capabilities that Microsoft 365 Copilot provides today including file and image upload, image generation, and  cross-document reasoning, as well as (most importantly), organisational awareness and acess to the Microsoft Graph API (meaning you can search across docs, meetings, people, email). It also provides the  deeper analysis tools and custom agents such as Analyst and Researcher.

Why This matters

This brings a number of benefits to users and organisations. Including:

  • Streamlined workflows: Users can draft or revise text in Office without opening a browser or switching apps.
  • Instant insights: Since users can ask Copilot to analyse data ranges, identify trends, or generate pivot tables in Excel. 
  • Faster presentations: Users can get help from Copilot to build outlines, suggest visuals, or transform bullet points into speaker notes in PowerPoint. 
  • Email productivity: By using Copilot in Outlook to summarise long threads, draft replies, or extract action items in seconds. 
  • A Unified experience: Above all, all users get a single AI assistant across their core Office apps. This helps with training, reduces pressure to deploy 3rd party plugins and aids support.
  • Compliance and Governance: keeps data secure knowing that no data is shared online or used to train AI models – a huge risk organisations face when using “free” AI tools such as Gemini or GPT free.

Under the hood: How Copilot Chat works

Context awareness 

Copilot Chat works by reading the contents and metadata of your open document in real time, so it knows what you’re working on—even titles, headings, tables, and comments. 

Secure Processing

Queries are processed within Microsoft’s trusted cloud environment. No data or prompts ever leaves your organisations compliance boundaries or is used to train Microsoft or OpenAI LLMs

Natural-language interface 

Copilot Chat allows the users to type or “speak” questions like “Summarise this report” or “Show me the top three trends in this data set,” and Copilot replies conversationally. 

Continuity and history 

All your Copilot interactions stay visible in the sidebar, so you can scroll back to previous prompts and refine follow-ups without losing context.

Copilot Chat in Office. Image (c) Microsoft

Copilot Chat rollout

  • Copilot Chat will start rolling out to Business users with Microsoft 365 Enterprise and Business subscriptions.
  • Rollout will start with users running Microsoft Office Current Channel.
  • IT Admins may need to enable Copilot Chat in the Microsoft 365 Admin Centre if not already enabled.
  • Organisations are advised to work with their training and adoption team (or partner) to ensure this is included in training and update communications.
  • Training or IT can Use the Microsoft 365 usage analytics dashboard to track adoption, active users, and common Copilot queries.

With Copilot Chat in Office Apps, do we still need use Microsoft 365 Copilot?

In many cases users that already have Microsoft 365 will not want to give it up. There are many things to consider however when comparing Copilot Chat to Microsoft 365 Copilot. These inckude:

  • Whether users want/need to analyse multiple documents or entire SharePoint libraries in one session.
  • Build (or use) Copilot Agents (whilst Copilot chat users can do this they are cost option and charged on consumption)
  • Rely on GPT-5’s advanced reasoning, creativity, and summarisation capabilities. 
  • Want built-in image generation or the ability to upload custom files for Copilot to process. 
  • Use other Microsoft Copilot agents for sales, service, or finance workloads that will soon be bundled.
  • Use features like Facilitator, Interpreter and Meeting Recap in Microsoft Teams
  • Other advanced features such as Copilot Notebooks.

My Thoughts and Comments

Brining Copilot Chat directly into Office apps should help streamline and standarise IT provision whilst boosting productivity, reduce context-switching, and eliminate routine tasks for all users.

I love that Copilot Chat is now integrated directly into the Microsoft 365 apps and is governed by the Copilot Control System (CCS). CCS is the enterprise-grade portal for IT administrators to secure, manage, and analyse the use of Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Chat, Copilot Studio, and related agents across their business.

Confusion? Training and awareness will be key to ensure users know that they can and can’t do in Copilot based on the license they have. It could become easy for users with a Copilot Chat acess sitting next to a user with Microsoft 365 Copilot to question why they don’t have access to some features where as their colleague does!

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Microsoft simplifies Copilot add-ons with reduced pricing

Windows Keyboard with Copilot Button

Microsoft has confirmed in a blog that they are streamlining its Copilot add-on portfolio by incoprating their specific role-based solutions into the core Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription. Starting mid-October, Copilot for Sales, Service, and Finance will no longer carry the additional $20 US per user/month premium, making advanced AI capabilities more accessible to businesses of all sizes

What’s Changing with Copilot Pricing?

Microsoft’s flagship AI assistant, Microsoft 365 Copilot, originally cost $30/user/month. Until now, specialized Copilots for sales, service, and finance added another $20/user/month, bringing the total to $50/user/month for businesses that need any of the role-specific Copilot agents. But this is about to change for the better!

To simplify licensing and lower cost barriers, Microsoft will:

  • Include Copilot for Sales, Service, and Finance to Microsoft 365 Copilot users at no charge 
  • Distribute these agents through the upcoming Microsoft 365 Copilot Agent Store 
  • Maintain existing functionality and user experience for current customers.

Old vs New Pricing Comparison.

Copilot SKUCurrent PriceNew Price (Oct 2025)
Microsoft 365 Copilot$30 pupm$30 pupm
Copilot for Sales+$20 pupm*$0
Copilot for Service+$20 pupm*$0
Copilot for Finance+$20 pupm*$0
Total Price for All ($)$90 pupm$30 pupm

What are Role-Based Copilot Solutions?

There a few of these already as part of the core Microsft 365 Copilot license including Researcher and Analyst but previously the deeper role based agents that also plugged into third party apps were a cost option.

With these now coming to the base license, this makes a huge increase in ROI for organisation that leverage these tools. …. We now get included:

Copilot for Sales

This is designed to empowers sellers with AI-generated insights, meeting prep, and dynamic revenue plans to drive pipeline growth.

Copilot for Service

This Copilot assists support teams by drafting case summaries, automating client communications, and updating records with contextual intelligence.

Copilot Finance

Streamlines reconciliation, anomaly detection, and report generation, integrating directly with ERP systems like Dynamics 365 and SAP.

Why Businesses and FDs should care

Reducing the Copilot bundle from $50 to $30/user/month unlocks AI for a broader set of “frontier firms”—organizations built around data, automation, and rapid iteration. Key benefits include:

  • Lowered cost of entry for specialized AI assistants 
  • Simplified licensing and procurement via the Copilot Agent Store 
  • Consistent user experience across general and role-based Copilots 

How to Access the New Copilot Agents

  • Mid-October rollout through the Microsoft 365 Copilot Agent Store 
  • No additional licensing steps or fees for existing Microsoft 365 Copilot customers 
  • Automatic availability of role-based agents in the Agent Store UI 

IT admins will be able to simply provision the agents to user groups without renegotiating contracts or updating billing settings.

Key readiness advice

  • Speak to your Microsoft Copilot Partner to help your organisation conduct funded awareness and update workshops which will help you review current Copilot deployments to identify pilot groups for Sales, Service, and Finance. If you are already a Microsoft 365 Copilot customers, you will likely be entitled to funding for adoption, integration and training when you buy
  • Plan training sessions that showcase real-world use cases in each domain. 
    Align procurement and budget forecasts to reflect a unified $30/user/month Copilot cost. 
  • Leverage the upcoming Copilot Agent Store for centralised rollout and governance. 

Why the price reduction?

By consolidating Copilot offerings and cutting role-based premiums, Microsoft is making it easier for organisations to embed AI across every function – without surprising price adjustments or complex licensing models.

Oh… And one more thing..

In true Microsoft style, there’s also a little renaming for the Copilot Studio experiences:

  • When using the Agent Builder toll inside Copilot as a Microsoft 365 Copilot user, Microsoft now refer to this as “Copilot Studio Lite,”
  • The full Copilot Studio experience is called…wait for it “Copilot Studio Full” .

Hmmm not a fan but there you go!

You can read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/09/10/moving-sales-service-and-finance-to-the-frontier-with-microsoft-365-copilot/

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Is Microsoft about to kill DocuSign?

Microsoft (after months of testing) is launching native eSignature support in Microsoft Word. How does this compete and compare to wider known tools such as Adobe Sign. Where where does Microsoft eSignature support fit and who is it for?

Why? To streamline document approvals without leaving your document and without needing to pay for expensive/third party eSignature tools.

eSignature Support in Word

Microsoft Word has quietly gained a feature that is aimed to save multiple email chains, PDF exports, and “please print, sign, scan, and send back” headaches. The new eSignature capability lets you send, receive, and track legally binding signatures directly inside Word – with no third-party apps required.

Why This Matters

For years, Word has been the place where contracts, agreements, and proposals are written – but not where they’re finalised for commercial use. That final step often meant exporting to PDF, uploading to a signing platform such as Adobe Sign or DocuSign, and then re-downloading for storage. Now, that friction is gone.

With eSignature in Word, organisations can:

  • Request signatures from within the open document straight from Word or SharePoint.
  • Track progress without leaving Word.
  • Store signed copies securely in OneDrive or SharePoint.

How to use eSignature in Word

How It Works is simple:

  1. Users prepare, Co author their document as normal in Microsoft Word.
  2. Insert signature fields where needed via the new eSignature menu*
  3. Send the document for signing — recipients get a secure link to review and sign the document.
  4. Track status in real time, again, right from within Microsoft Word.
  5. Receive the signed copy automatically saved back to your chosen location.
eSignature in Word ToolBar

Note: to use eSignature in Word, a few steps are required by admins, including enabling the feature in the Microsoft 365 Admin Centre, and creating a policy for use in Intune or Office Config Centre. See more below.

Enabling eSignature Support in Office Config Centre – Required Admin rights.

eSignature Security and Compliance

Microsoft’s eSignature service is built on the same compliance and security framework as the rest of Microsoft 365, including:

  • Encryption in transit and at rest.
  • Audit trails for every signature request.
  • Integration with Microsoft Purview for governance and retention.

eSignature Workflow Support

One of the things third party eSignature  tools do well is workload integration into LOB.

Since eSignature is native to Word and Microsoft 365, Microsoft have their own native workflow support which includes:

  • Ability to trigger signature requests from Teams chats or Outlook emails.
  • Signed documents inherit your organisations existing retention and sensitivity labels.
  • Approvals can be part of a Power Automate flow for end-to-end process automation.
  • These Power Automate flows can integrate (and may already be) part of your business workflow.

Is this the end of Docusign?

I do t think so….. While Microsoft’s move might feel like the big boys taking a shot across the bow, at DocuSign, I don’t beleive this is really designed to compete (not head on anyway). In fact, just last week, DocuSign Q2 results shows it’s doubling down on its core strengths.

  1. DocuSign’s Q2 FY2026 results beat expectations, with revenue up 13% YoY to $801M.
  2. Their new Intelligent Agreement Management (IAM) platform now has over 10,000 customers, positioning DocuSign beyond “just” e-signatures, into full contract lifecycle and workflow automation — a space where Microsoft is still building capabilities.
  3. Developer and ecosystem push is strong as
    with deep integrations, AI-powered agreement workflows, and orchestration tools like Maestro built in. This is aimed squarely at enterprise developers who need more than just a signature – they want embedded, automated, and compliant agreement processes.
  4. DocuSign leads the way in multi-party signing, and signature authentication. Microsoft Word’s eSignature is convenient for those already in the 365 ecosystem and that don’t have a eSignature system today as well as those that just need relatively simple capabilities.

Will Microsoft eSignature kill off DocuSign?

I don’t think so…

For the time being, DocuSign will likely remain the go-to for regulated industries, complex workflows, and organisations that need platform-agnostic signing.

For organisations that don’t have this feature today, or use a third party tools without the need for complex integrated workflows, then this could be a viable and cosy effective solution built right into their existing flow of work.

For larger, more regulated organisations however, that already have investment, process and LOB integration with a third party eSignature tool, then this is likely not going to of immediate interest. This is due to the rich number of additional features tools like DocuSign and Adobe Sign bring including contract lifecycle management, and eSignature portals that bring more than just e-signing are in use.

The real story isn’t “Microsoft kills DocuSign”  it’s that the e-signature market is maturing. Microsoft’s entry will likely capture casual and internal signing needs, while DocuSign focuses on high-value, compliance-heavy, multi-party agreements. In other words: the pie is growing, and both players are carving out their slices.

Further info:

Microsoft Video: https://youtu.be/1S8HDKYPIA4

DocuSign: https://www.docusign.com/en-gb

Microsoft eSig: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/spblog/announcing-sharepoint-esignature-for-microsoft-word/4419681

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Windows 11 25H2 Release Preview: What you need to know

Windows 11’s annual feature update—version 25H2 (Build 26200.5074)—is now available in the Release Preview Channel. This signals that the update is nearly finalised and ready for broader deployment later this year.

If you are a Windows Insider on the “Release Preview Build”, this will be offered to you as an optional update.

Windows 11 25H2 – What’s New

This update is delivered as an enablement package (eKB), meaning that Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 share the same servicing branch and feature set. This is a huge benefit to users and businesses, since it means it’s deployed and installed like an update with out the need for a full OS reinstall over the top. 

The formal Windows 11 Build number jumps from 24H2’s 26100 series to 26200.5074 (or later), marking the official 25H2 release. Once installed, monthly servicing updates will continue seamlessly – following the standard Windows Update cadence

Feature Removals and Enterprise Controls

  • PowerShell 2.0 and the Windows Management Instrumentation command-line tool (WMIC) are removed in this update, aligning with Microsoft’s deprecation roadmap
  • IT admins on Enterprise and Education editions can now remove select preinstalled Microsoft Store apps via Group Policy or MDM CSP—streamlining bloat management across managed devices

Deployment Paths and Timing

  • Seeker Experience – Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel can opt into 25H2 via Settings → Windows Update → “Download and install”. 
  • Commercial Channels – Available through Windows Update for Business (WUfB) and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). 
  • Azure Marketplace images go live later today, empowering large-scale testing and validation.
  • Fresh-install ISO files will be published next week on the Windows Insider ISO download pages.

Why 25H2 is good for IT Management

Predictable annual cadence lets you plan testing windows without chasing large-scale feature overhauls. 

  • 25H2 uses the same servicing branch as 24H2 which reduces validation overhead since it acts like a new feature rather than new build. This means new features arrive continuously instead of big bang releases. 
  • New enhanced Group Policy controls for Store apps improve image standardisation and reduce endpoint clutter. 
  • Early access via Windows Insider Release Preview gives IT departments a runway to validate compatibility, prove stability, tweak policies, and train end user support teams before general availability.

References and more reading

Preparing now of course will help ensure your organisation can move smoothly to Windows 11 25H2 when the public rollout begins around October time. Validate in your environment, document any custom policies, and align with your Windows Update for Business strategy to deliver a seamless upgrade experience. It is worth noting that

Microsoft consider a device a commercial device if it is not running the Windows 11 Home edition AND is being managed by an IT administrator (whether via Microsoft Endpoint Manager or other management solution) or has a volume license key or commercial ID or is joined to a domain.

https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2025/08/29/releasing-windows-11-version-25h2-to-the-release-preview-channel.

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Will OpenAI’s “gpt-realtime” set a new benchmark for AI Voice?

OpenAI has introduced gpt-realtime, a new cutting-edge speech-to-speech model, alongside the general availability of its Realtime API. This release marks a significant step forward in the evolution of voice AI, particularly for enterprise applications such as customer support and conversational agents. They announced this in a video broadcast which you watch below.

SIP Telephony Support: Lowering the Barrier to Entry

One of the most notable updates they annunced was the addition of SIP telephony support, which aims to simplify the process of building voice-over-phone applications. Developers will be able to integrate phone numbers directly into OpenAI’s SIP interface, streamlining deployment and reducing the need for complex telephony infrastructure. As it develops, this could reshape the competitive landscape, especially for startups that previously relied on expensive and bespoke integrations to differentiate their offerings.

A Unified Model for Natural Interaction

Gpt-realtime apart will feature an end-to-end architecture which will set it apart to how such integrations work today. Unlike traditional systems that chain together speech recognition, language processing, and text-to-speech, OpenAI’s new model will handle everything in a single pass. This will result in much faster response times, more natural audio, and improved emotional nuance (one of the biggest limitations today) meaning it will be capable of interpreting laughter, stress, worry, pauses, and tone shifts.

Open AI so it will also be highly configurable. Developers will be able to adjust pacing, tone, and persona, enabling more tailored and brand-consistent voice experiences.

Considerations for Enterprise Adoption

While the capabilities are lok super impressive, these models will still be expensive to start with anyway. Pricing is expected to be $32 per million input tokens and $64 per million output tokens which is significantly higher than traditional chained models. Additionally, the unified architecture offers less modularity and observability, which may limit flexibility for teams that require fine-grained control over model behavior or voice switching.

In a blog post from CX Today, Alex Levin, CEO at Regal is quoted saying, “the cost of the speech-to-speech model is still approximately four times higher than chaining a speech-to-text (STT), large language model (LLM), text-to-speech (TTS) pipeline for Voice AI Agents“

Strategic Implications

OpenAI’s latest release is a clear signal of intent: to make voice AI more accessible, performant, and enterprise-ready. Given Mcirosoft and other leading Cloud giants, close relationships with Open AI, we can also expect them to eventally add support for such models meaning customers that leverage, for example Microsoft 365 Copilot and Azure AI will likely gain support for this in the near future too through tools like Microsoft Dynamnics and Copilot Studio.

For organisations exploring and wanting to experiment more with conversational based automation, gpt-realtime promises to offers a powerful new toolset whilst talking the technolgy closer to human voice.

As always, the key lies in aligning technology choices with business goals, recognising ROI and customer expectation and keeping ahead of the curve as the landscape evolves and the pace of AI maturity and adoption contines to accelerate.

Sources: 
– CX Today – OpenAI’s Latest Moves Put Many Voice AI Startups on Notice
– Open AI – YouTube Video:
– Open AI Blog

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GPT-5 Chat & Reasoning vs Copilot Researcher Agent

With all the new AI models in Microsoft Copilot along with the first party agents that serve spefici functions, it can be confusing to know which tool to use for the right task. Microsoft have two specific agents within the Microsoft 365 Copilot domain Researcher and Agent designed to carry outr specific functions. We also now have GPT-5 (now also baked into Copilot) which brings the new “smart” mode, allowing it to switvch between languiage models based on the task at hand.

In this blog, I aim to break down the three tiers of Copilot capability— GPT-5 Chat, GPT-5 Reasoning (also known as Smart mode), and Researcher and to look at the differences, similarities and what is best for what!

GPT-5 Chat: Fast, Friendly, and to the Point

Best for:

  • General Chat and Quick Q&A
  • Content Summarisation
  • Creative brainstorming

How it thinks:
Chat mode is is your rapid-fire assistant. It delivers supoer quick responses to youur questions without deep analysis. This is ideal for when you need an answer or exmplanation, clarity on something and anything not requiring deep thinking, reasoning or complexity.

Example prompt:

“Write a short social post abou the latest updates to [product].”

When to use it:
When you want brevity, speed, and a touch of flair. Think elevator pitches, tweet-length summaries, or light creative riffs.

GPT-5 Reasoning: Structured Thinking for Strategic Tasks

Best for:

  • Logical analysis
  • Problem-solving
  • Multi-step planning such as building a travel itinery, project plan or talk track

How it thinks:
This mode (which GPT-5 will switch too automatically if needed), rolls up its sleeves and gets analytical. It’s designed for tasks that require synthesis, deep exploratory analysis, structured responses and a more strategic (deep thinking) response.

Example prompt:

“Let’s walk through this problem together: I need to launch a new product with a limited budget and a small team to appeal to an already crowded market. What’s the best strategy?”

Use it when:
You’re building timelines, weighing trade-offs, or need a coherent plan that holds up under scrutiny.

Copilot Researcher Agent: Deep Dives and Source-Backed Intelligence

Best for:

  • Comprehensive research and reports
  • Source comparison and opinioning
  • Insight generation

How it thinks:
Researcher mode is a custom build agent from Microsoft specifically designed to work in a recursive, self evaluation and exhaustive approach. It pulls from multiple sources which it compares and contrats against one-another, compares methodologies, and identifies gaps. This is design for for thought leadership, academic-style or research style analysis, or strategic decision-making with different view points.

Example prompt:

“Find and summarise studies on the effects of remote work on productivity. Compare methodologies and results, looking at pro’s cons, impact on society, well-being, productivity and trends across different EU regions.”

Use it when:
You need more than just an answer. You want to combine different view, present the otput in a particular way and when you need comprehenisive evidence, nuance, and a narrative that stands up to boardroom or peer review.

Which One When?

There is no definitiave answer to this, but based on my usage and infomration I have read in the field, guidance from OpenAI, Microsoft and others, this table provides a guide to which mode would work best in the scenaios below

Task TypeUse GPT-5 ChatUse GPT-5 ReasoningUse Researcher
Write a quick summary✅
Build a strategic roadmap✅
Compare academic studies✅
Brainstorm creative ideas✅
Solve a complex problem✅
Generate source-backed insights✅

AI isn’t a one-size-fits-all and not all use cases are the same. As AI models contine to become more context aware and with the ability to switch modes, there are still many times where knowing where to take your problem to is key – just like you know to talk to a specialist consultant vs a generalise at times.

Currently, to get the best from these AI models, the best result often lies in knowing when to switch gears—from conversational to analytical to research-grade depth. Whether you’re a CTO shaping strategy or a content creator chasing clarity, the right mode turns AI from assistant to partner to mentor.

Would you like this adapted into a SharePoint-friendly format or paired with a branded visual? I can also tailor it for internal enablement or customer-facing use.

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Teams Facilitator Agent: A Virtual Chair for Teams Meetings

Facilitator Agent Logo

Teams has a powerful new capability called the Facilitator Agent – a Copilot-driven meeting assistant designed to make collaboration smoother, smarter, and more productive. Think of it as a virtual chairperson that keeps your meeting on agenda, on-time and to point,whilst allowing participants to focus more on the meeting than taking notes.

Facilitator in Teams Rooms – Image (C) Microsoft.

Facilitator auto-drafts agendas, keeps people on track of the agenda and timings, provides rolling summaries, decisions, and action items all in a secure shared Loop page that everyone can co-author / edit across desktop, web, mobile, and even now in Teams Rooms direct from the room controls in Teams Rooms.

What is the Teams Facilitator Agent?

The Facilitator Agent is an AI-powered feature built into Microsoft Teams that works alongside Microsoft 365 Copilot (you need a Copilot license to activate it and interface to it). It acts as a shared assistant within your meetings and chats, providing:

  • Real-time AI-generated notes: Captures discussion points, decisions, and action items as the meeting unfolds.
  • Collaborative editing: All participants can view notes and Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users can co-author notes live – this ensures accuracy and inclusivity.
  • Meeting moderation: Helps manage agendas, prompts for goals if none are set, and even nudges participants to wrap up discussions.
  • Time management: Includes a meeting clock and reminders to keep sessions on schedule.
  • Post-meeting recap: Provides a structured summary and tasks in the Recap tab, stored securely in Microsoft Loop in the meeting organisers’ OneDrive.

How is it Facilitator different from the old “AI Notes” feature?

Previously, Teams offered AI Notes as part of Intelligent Recap, which generated summaries after the meeting. While useful, it was a passive experience—participants couldn’t interact with or influence the notes in real time.

The Facilitator Agent replaces and enhances this by:

  • Working live during the meeting, not just after.
  • Real-time co-authoring of notes by both AI and humans as the meeting progresses.
  • Acting as an active participant, responding to @mentions and questions in chat.
  • Providing dynamic updates as discussions evolve, rather than static summaries.
  • Keeps a track of the meeting, who has spoken, actions and topic/agenda drift (in otherwords it politely nags you!)

What is Facilitator good at?

Facilitator can or could if trusted, replace the chair or act as a chair/co-chair in a meeting. In my personal experience I have foudn it to be really really good at:

  • Real-Time Note-Taking & Summarisation
    Capturing key discussion points, decisions, and action items during meetings, with live co-authoring – I love how it writes as the meeting prgresses and even corrects itself.
  • Meeting Moderation & Structure
    Detects if a meeting lacks an agenda and prompts participants to define goals. If a meeting has an agenda it attempts to chunk the meeting into sections and helps keep the meeting on topic and ontime.
  • Improved Collaboration
    Works in meetings and group chats, keeping everyone aligned—even late joiners. It allows people to talk to the agent too – by mentioning @facilitator if you need it to do something like set an action or recap a point.
  • Post-Meeting Recap & Accountability
    Generates structured summaries and suggested tasks in the Recap tab for people to go back to or generate an email follow from etc,.

Facilitator Agent – Current Limitations

I do love usig it – its been GA for a few weeks now, but there are few limitations which I hope/expect will “go away soon”. These include:

  • Not Available Everywhere: Facilitator currently doesn’t work in external, instant, or channel meetings; mobile users can view notes but not start Facilitator (yet)..
  • Compliance Gaps: Sensitivity labels don’t automatically apply to notes yet but this is in thge public roadmap.

Using Facilitator in Meetings

Turning it on: By Default, when you create a meeting via Teams, Facilitator is “off” and needs to be enabled by switching the toggle as illustrated below. It can also be enabled from “within” the meeting.

In Meeting Interaction:
When the meeting starts, you are notified that Facilitator is running via an in-app notification. Note the meeting does not need to be recorded for this to be active. You also see this indicator under the notes section at the right of the meeting pane.

By the way, if you join a meeting where Facilitator is not active, you can enable it anytime from the menu under “…more”.

You still get a notification when Facilitator is running, and it will period chat to you in the meeting chat to keep you updated on the meeting.

Facilitator in Meeting

In Meeting – Meeting Notes and Actions Beng taken by Facilitator

Actions Generated by Facilitator

During the meeting (and afterwards, which you can find by going back to the meeting in your calendar), you can view and of course edit the notes, actions and also see any “related” content and “insights” that Facilitator has sufaced that it “thinks” might be relevant to the meeting dsicussion you have been in. These notes are captured in a Loop Space which is stored on the meeting organisers OneDrive and shared (automatically) with all meeting participants.

Post Meeting Notes, Actions and Insights.

Facilitator Agent Use Cases

I use this in most meetings but there are loads of use cases I see and hear about.

  • Daily stand-ups or project huddles to log progress and blockers
  • Customer calls and scoping meetings capturing commitments and next steps to eliminate follow-up churn
  • Project update or planning calls.

Facilitator Agent – What is Coming (Roadmap)

This is in preview and will be fully rolled out (GA) by September, and there are a few thinsg still nt he works which I expect will be out soon enough.

  • Editable Canvas for Chat Notes: AI notes in chats will move to an editable canvas backed by SharePoint Embedded.
  • Teams Rooms Integration: Facilitator will also (now in Preview) support ad-hoc and scheduled meetings in Teams Rooms, with QR code invites and speaker attribution.
  • Improved Compliance: Sensitivity label inheritance and enhanced governance via Microsoft Purview will be supported.

Q & A

Q: Is the Facilitator Agent just a rebrand of the previous AI notes feature?
A: It builds on that toggle but expands into a full-blown agent. Beyond post-meeting summaries, Facilitator prompts agendas, generates live recaps, drives collaboration via Loop, and integrates with Teams Rooms by QR code.

Q: How does it differ from using Copilot in a Teams meeting?
A: Copilot in a meeting is a private assistant—only you see its responses. Facilitator operates in the group context: prompts, highlights, and action items appear for everyone to view and edit in real time.

Q: What’s the added value over just recording and transcribing?
A: Recording and transcription are passive: you consume them after the fact. Facilitator is proactive—drafting agendas, nudging for goals, surfacing decisions, and giving every attendee an editable canvas mid-meeting.

Q: Where does Intelligent Recap fit in?
A: Intelligent Recap synthesizes speech and on-screen visuals after the meeting ends. Facilitator closes the loop instantly – keeping the conversation structured, accountable, and collaborative from start to finish.

Q: What are the alternatives to Facilitator Agent?

1. Native recording + transcription then manual or Copilot/ChatGPT note generation
2. Intelligent Recap for post-meeting slide and data context
3. Private Copilot chats for ad-hoc AI queries
4. Manual note-taking or shared OneNote pages
5. Third-party assistants like Otter.ai or Fireflies.ai

Q: Do I need a Copilot license to use the Facilitator Agent?
A: Any user who initiates or edits AI-generated notes in meetings or chats must have a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Unlicensed participants can view meeting AI notes but cannot start or edit them.

Q: What about in-person meetings?
A: Coming soon – a new feature in the Teams mobile app will let you start a dedicated in-person meeting with Facilitator right from your phone. This will then kick off a recorded, transcribed session – again with real-time agendas, notes, and follow-up tasks. When you end the meeting, notes save automatically and a “in the past” calendar event is created—everything is surfaced in Recap. – This will requires a Copilot license and is due to be in preview Auguist/Sept – I’ve seen it but don’t have it yet myself!

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Governing Agents in a Low‑Code World: From Assistants to Autonomous Colleagues

We are in the middle of rapid shift – AI agents are no longer just reactive helpers waiting for a us to give them a prompt. Instead, they are becoming proactive, and  autonomous , capable of initiating actions, orchestrating workflows, and making decisions across systems.

If you’ve already built governance models for low‑code platforms like Microsoft Power Platform, you’re not starting from zero. Those same principles – with a few smart extensions can help you govern the next generation of agents built in Copilot Studio.

What is Agent Governance?
Agent governance encompasses the rules, policies, and oversight mechanisms that guide the behavior of AI agents – autonomous systems capable of performing tasks with minimal human intervention. This governance is crucial to ensure that these agents operate in a manner that is legally compliant, ethically responsible, and operationally safe!

Microsoft have shared new blue prints and guidance to help you get started with healthy goverance for Copilot Studio – which I have linked to and summarised below…

1. Lead with a Governance Mindset

Agents aren’t “just another app.” They’re digital labour – they (can) talk across systems and across roles and need managing just like humans. This means they they need:

  • Trackable identities — so you know exactly which agent did what, and when.
  • Scoped permissions — the principle of least privilege applies here too.
  • Continuous oversight — because autonomy without accountability is a risk.

Not every agent should have the same freedom. For example, a Q&A bot answering FAQs is low risk. An autonomous sales development agent drafting proposals is much higher stakes and an agent that takes a customer interaction and acts on it automonously is high risk.

We must define tiers of autonomy and enforce them with technical guardrails.

2. Apply Your Low‑Code Lessons

If you’ve governed Power Platform, you already have your own playbook:

  • Managed environments to separate dev, test, and production.
  • Role‑based access control (RBAC) to manage who can create, deploy, and run agents.
  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies to control what data agents can access or share.
  • Audit logs to track behaviour and support compliance.

These aren’t “nice to haves” — they’re essential for safe, scalable agent adoption. Extend your existing frameworks to cover new agent behaviours.

3. Drive Visibility, Cost Control, and Business Value

Governance isn’t just about control — it’s about clarity. Visibility and telemetry is really important becuase it tells us:

  • Who created the agent.
  • What data it touches.
  • How often it’s used.
  • The business outcomes it’s driving.

With that visibility, you can spot redundant agents, forecast costs, and focus investment where it delivers the most value. Tools like Copilot Studio analytics and Power Platform Admin Center make this possible — but only if you use them consistently.

4. Empower Innovation with Guardrails

The people closest to the work often have the best ideas for agents. Advice is to empower them to experiment — but within a zoned governance model:

  • Zone 1: Personal Productivity — safe sandboxes for individual experimentation.
  • Zone 2: Collaboration — team‑level development with stronger controls.
  • Zone 3: Enterprise Managed — production‑grade agents with full monitoring and lifecycle management.

This approach balances speed and safety, enabling innovation without compromising compliance.

5. Build Community, Training, and Experimentation into the Culture

Governance is as much cultural as it is technical and it’s the culteral and human aspects that typically impact and slow adoption.

A thriving Center of Excellence (CoE) should:

  • Host “Agent Show‑and‑Tell” sessions and hackathons.
  • Appoint champions in each department to mentor others.
  • Provide role‑based training for makers, admins, and business leaders.
  • Encourage responsible experimentation — and celebrate successes.

As with any transformational shift, when people feel supported and inspired and part of the journey, adoption accelerates and impact flourishes.

Why This Matters Now

According to Microsoft, over 230,000 organisations – including 90% of the Fortune 500, are already using Copilot Studio, and IDC projects there will be a staggering 1.3 billion AI agents by 2028.

This scale and exponential speed of adoption make governance a critical priority, not an afterthought or option!

The CIO’s role is shifting from enabling agents to governing them at scale — ensuring they’re secure, compliant, cost‑effective, and aligned with business goals. That’s not just a technical challenge; it’s a leadership opportunity.

Summary – the Key Steps

  1. Extend your low‑code governance — apply your Power Platform controls to agents.
  2. Define autonomy tiers — match oversight to risk.
  3. Instrument for visibility — track usage, cost, and impact.
  4. Adopt zoned governance — empower innovation safely.
  5. Invest in culture — build communities, champions, and training.

For a deeper dive, read Microsoft’s Evolving Power Platform Governance for AI Agents blog and download their CIO Playbook to Governing AI Agents in a Low‑Code World.

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Windows 95 Turns 30 today

On 24 August 1995, Microsoft launched Windows 95 with a level of hype that rivaled Hollywood blockbusters. Thirty years later, its legacy still echoes through every Start menu click and taskbar glance.

Windows PC on a PC (image (C))

Windows 95 was built by a small, focused team led by Brad Silverberg. It shifted Microsoft away from segmented memory and interrupt-driven configuration to a more unified, user-friendly model. The move from 16-bit to 32-bit architecture was a game-changer for performance and stability…..

Their mission. “A PC on every desk and in every home”

Goodbye Command Line, Hello GUI

Before Windows 95, booting up a PC meant staring down a command prompt. Windows 3.x was a graphical layer on top of MS-DOS, but it still felt like a bolt-on. Windows 95 changed that. It booted straight into a graphical interface, wrapped MS-DOS and Windows into one cohesive product, and made computing feel intuitive—even friendly.

Backward compatibility with thousands of DOS and Windows 3.x programs made the transition smooth. Sure, it inherited some crash-prone quirks from its DOS roots, but for most users, it was a revelation

Windows 95 icon desktop.

The Birth of the Start Menu and Taskbar

The icons that still define Windows today—the Start menu and taskbar—made their debut here. The Start button became the gateway to everything, even sparking confusion (“Shut down from Start?”). The taskbar introduced a new way to juggle multiple apps, leapfrogging Mac OS in usability.

Windows 95 merged MS-DOS and Windows into a single product, booting directly into a graphical interface. It introduce features made PCs accessible to the masses and laid the foundation for modern computing including:

  • The Start menu and taskbar—still core to Windows today
  • Windows Explorer for unified file and app management
  • Plug and Play hardware detection, simplifying setup
  • 32-bit architecture, improving performance and memory access

Windows Explorer and Desktop Revolution

Windows Explorer unified file and application management, replacing the fragmented experience of Windows 3.x. It introduced right-click context menus, the Recycle Bin, file shortcuts, and a desktop that behaved like a folder. Suddenly, your PC felt like a workspace, not a maze.

FreeCell and the Rise of Casual Gaming

Games were now bundled with Windows 95.  FreeCell wasn’t just a game—it was a gateway for casual gaming to promote gaming in the modern OS. With 32,000 solvable puzzles, it kept users hooked for years. Solitaire and Minesweeper had paved the way, but FreeCell made it personal 😂

Arrival of the Internet Arrives (Sort Of)

OK, so the first retail version didn’t include a browser, but it did feature MSN—Microsoft’s answer to CompuServe and Prodigy. Internet Explorer arrived later that year, bundled into OEM releases. That move triggered antitrust alarms, but it also marked the beginning of the browser wars…. Microsoft were forced to allow choice over others browers… It kinda felt unfair and Microsoft (after killing Netscape) were forced!

Marketing That Made History

Microsoft spent $300 million on the launch campaign, licensing the Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up” and hosting a global satellite event with Jay Leno. It was software marketing on a scale never seen before—and it worked. One million copies sold in the first week. Forty million in the first year.

Windows 95 wasn’t perfect, but it was pivotal in the history of Windows. It redefined what a PC could be—accessible, powerful, and personal. And 30 years later, its legacy still lives on every time we click “Start.”

30 years later…

Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 95 on 31 December 2000, with extended support ending a year later. Yet its DNA lives on in every version of Windows since.

Windows 95 is remembered not just as software, but as a cultural milestone. It democratized computing, shaped careers, and defined an era. Even today, its interface principles guide modern OS design—from Windows 11 to mobile platforms.

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Unlock Insights with Excel’s COPILOT() Function

Microsoft has introduced the =COPILOT() function in Excel, embedding AI directly into spreadsheet cells. This formula turns natural-language prompts into structured outputs—no VBA, no complex formulas—so anyone can perform advanced analysis with a simple cell entry.

This essentially turns your prompts into Excel formulas direct from your excel cell!

Copilot() function in excel

This is in currently in public preview.

What It Is and How It Works

The COPILOT() function behaves like any native Excel formula. You type =COPILOT("and your prompt", [range]) in a cell, and Excel sends the request to the Copilot service (powered by Bing and ChatGPT). The AI returns a grid-friendly result that recalculates automatically whenever your source data changes. You can even nest COPILOT() inside functions like IF or LAMBDA for more sophisticated logic.

Core Capabilities

  • Summarise, group, or categorise data using plain-English prompts
  • Perform sentiment analysis on text feedback
  • Extract and organise information from unstructured text (names, emails, URLs)
  • Generate dynamic lists, schedules, or qualitative ratings
  • Augment tables with symbols or simple markers for clearer storytelling

Key Use Cases

  • Automating data cleanup: standardise formats, remove duplicates, split columns.
  • Customer insights: turn free-text reviews into sentiment scores and themes.
  • Sort data and represent in different formats without having to learn how to create pivot tables.
  • Transforming data using formulas without having to write a formula.. Just natural language.

Prerequisites & Access

To use COPILOT() in Excel, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Microsoft 365 commercial Copilot license (not included in Personal/Family plans)
  • Microsoft Entra ID account and primary mailbox on Exchange Online.
  • Excel Beta Channel build 19212.20000 or later / macOS build 25081334 or later
  • Up to 100 function calls per 10 minutes (300 per hour); use array inputs to conserve quote.
  • Data stored in the active workbook (external sources not yet supported

How to access:

  1. In Excel, go to File > Account > Office Insider and switch to the Beta Channel (Windows).
  2. On Mac, open Help > Check for Updates in Microsoft AutoUpdate and choose the Beta release.
  3. Sign in with your work/school account that has a Copilot license; use File > Account > Update License if needed
  4. Restart Excel—=COPILOT() will now be available in any cell, or via the Home > Copilot pane.

Requirements and Limitations

  • Not optimised for heavy numeric or matrix computations
  • Outputs are dynamic—save critical results as values to prevent unintended changes
  • Only works with in-workbook data; live web or external data access is pending

Why It Matters

Excel remains the lingua franca of business data. By transforming the grid into an interactive AI canvas, COPILOT() tears down formula-syntax barriers, accelerates decision-making, and empowers every user—from analysts to frontline managers—to become data storytellers. Enablement leaders can shift focus from formula training to writing effective AI prompts and compelling narratives.

In short, it’s powerful for people that are not excel formula wizards!

Start experimenting with prompts like:

  • “Summarise quarterly revenue by account manager”
  • “Rate these project tasks by impact and effort”
  • “Extract email addresses from customer comments”
  • “Normalise the addresses and add UK postcodes”

Let me know what you think? Useful? 👍👎

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Why buy a Microsoft Surface? Q&A – Summer 2025

1: What is a “Copilot+ PC” and how does it differ from a regular PC?

A Copilot+ PC is Microsoft’s new category of Windows 11 computers designed from the ground up to supercharge AI-driven experiences. In practical terms, a Copilot+ PC meets certain high-end specifications – minimum of 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and a special processor with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of 40+ trillion operations per second (TOPS).

When you first bought a computer, you probably looked at the CPU and RAM specs, but not whether it had an NPU. That’s starting to change

This  specification ensures the device can run advanced AI tasks locally, rather than always relying on the cloud. Microsoft introduced Copilot+ PCs as “the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever” that are “purpose-built to unlock AI experiences” for users.

In essence, a Copilot+ PC is “lightning fast, responsive and built to be secure by design” but its real superpower is the built in onboard NPU, which is a dedicated AI engine in the device, enabling new Windows 11 features that previous generation devices can’t access. For example, Copilot+ PCs get exclusive AI capabilities in Windows, such as the new Recall feature that lets you search your PC in plain language and visually retrace your steps to find things you were working on. They also support “natural interaction” including voice-controlled Copilot and real-time image processing without bogging down the CPU. Think of how graphics cards (GPUs) transformed gaming and creative work years ago – NPUs on Copilot+ PCs are similarly ushering in a new era of AI-enhanced computing, from smarter personal assistants to on-the-fly content generation.

Another big difference is that Microsoft is adding features in Windows 11 that only Copilot+ PCs can use. With these devices, Windows can do things like run Cocreator to generate images from your sketches or remove photo backgrounds right on the device. The idea is that an AI-rich PC should actively “copilot” your tasks – helping summarize documents, suggest actions, or automate chores – in ways a typical PC cannot.

To qualify, manufacturers currently use top-tier chips like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus ad Elite or Intel’s Core Ultra series that include powerful NPUs In short, a Copilot+ PC is a new class of PC that’s faster and smarter than traditional models, blurring the line between your computer and an AI assistant by baking intelligence directly into the hardware and operating system.

#2: Microsoft just launched new Surface devices as Copilot+ PCs. Can you tell us about these and what makes them special?

Microsoft has recently expanded the Surface family with two all-new Copilot+ PC devices: the Surface Laptop (13-inch) and the Surface Pro (12-inch). These were announced as “the next chapter of Surface innovation” – ultra-thin, lightweight, yet powerful PCs that bring the Copilot+ experience to more people at more affordable price point than their bigger counterparts.

  • Surface Laptop, 13-inch: This is the thinnest and lightest Surface Laptop ever, designed for ultimate portability without sacrificing performance. It sports a 13-inch vibrant touchscreen with super-slim bezels for an immersive view. Under the hood, it’s powered by the new Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor with a built-in NPU (45 TOPS), making it 50% faster than the previous Surface Laptop and faster than Apple’s MacBook Air M3. Surface Laptop 13″ also boasts the longest battery life of any Surface to date, with up to 23 hours video playback or 16 hours of web use on a single charge. It comes in a premium aluminum chassis and fresh colours including Ocean, Violet, and Platinum,and even the accessories got a refresh colour to match. It’s built for a mix of work and play: great for typing with a quiet, comfortable keyboard, and equipped with an AI-enhanced 1080p camera and studio mics  so you look and sound excellent on video calls These start at $899
  • Surface Pro, 12-inch: This is the latest iteration of Microsoft’s 2-in-1 tablet/laptop and is now the smallest, lightest Surface Pro ever. It weighs only about 1.5 pounds, yet packs the same Snapdragon X Plus processor with 45 TOPS NPU as its Laptop sibling. That means it’s extremely fast and smooth, and Microsoft says it achieves 50% faster performance and double the battery life of the Surface Pro 9 from the previous generation.  In real numbers, you get up to 16 hours of local video playback (approx 12 hours web browsing) on a charge, which is fantastic for a device this portable. The 12-inch PixelSense touchscreen is bright and now has an anti-reflective coating (great for use in all lighting). Being a Surface Pro, it retains the iconic kickstand and detachable keyboard design – essentially a tablet that can fully replace a laptop when you attach the keyboard. The Surface Pro’s keyboard has also been redesigned and now lies completely flat when attached (better for lap use or writing). The Surface Slim Pen stylus now magnetically docks on the back of the device for charging, so it’s always with you. These start at  **$799**, bringing the power of an AI-enhanced PC to an ultra-mobile form factor. I love Pro, It’s perfect for creatives or professionals who want to sketch, take notes, or work on the go without carrying a heavy laptop.

These new Surfaces are special because they combine flagship-class performance, AI smarts, and long battery life in thinner, lighter designs  than we’ve seen before. And thanks to their Snapdragon processors with NPUs, they’re true Copilot+ PCs – unlocking the latest Windows AI features that can genuinely assist you throughout the day.

Microsoft say they have taken everything learned from its high-end models and distilled it into more accessible devices.

#3: How do these new Surface Copilot+ devices improve upon previous models like the Surface Laptop 5 or Surface Pro 9?

The generational leaps here are quite significant. Microsoft made improvements across performance, battery life, displays, and even cameras. Here are a few of the standout upgrades:

  • Massive Performance Boost: Both the new Surface Laptop 13″ and Surface Pro 12″ are dramatically faster than their predecessors. Due to the Snapdragon X Plus chip, the 13″ Laptop is about 50% faster than the Surface Laptop 5. The Surface Pro’s jump is even more eye-opening – Microsoft cites up to 90% higher performance over the Surface Pro 9.  These devices wake instantly and handle multitasking or AI tasks with ease, whereas older models might stutter on heavy workloads. Even compared to rival machines, the new Laptop outperforms some of Apple’s latest MacBook Air, showing how far Microsoft has pushed the performance this round.
  • Much Longer Battery Life: Battery longevity saw a huge improvement. The 13″ Surface Laptop offers up to 22-23 hours of video playback on a full charge – roughly double what the Surface Laptop 5 could do. In everyday terms, this is all-day battery life plus some. The Surface Pro 12″ similarly now gets all-day usage, with up to 16 hours of local video playback (versus about 8 hours on the old Pro. In web browsing or mixed use, you’re looking at easily 12+ hours on the Pro and around 15-16 hours on the Laptop. For users, this means you can go from morning to night on these devices without scrambling for a charger – a huge jump from previous models.
  • Better Displays & Graphics: The Surface Pro 12″ has a high-quality PixelSense touchscreen that’s now anti-reflective for improved readability in bright environments. While the Pro 9 introduced a 120Hz display, the new Pro keeps it smooth and adds better outdoor visibility, which many will appreciate. On the larger Surface Pro 11 (the 13-inch model announced alongside the Copilot+ launch), Microsoft even introduced an optional OLED screen for richer colours,  though the 12″ model sticks with a more power-efficient LCD. The 13″ Surface Laptop has a Full HD screen with ultra-thin bezels– a nicer, more modern look compared to the thicker borders on Laptop 5. Graphics performance also improved thanks to the new Adreno GPU in the Snapdragon chip, but perhaps more exciting is how the NPU can assist graphics tasks (like camera effects or AI image processing) without taxing the main processor.
  • Improved Cameras and AV: Microsoft paid attention to the video calling experience. The webcam on the Surface Laptop 13″ is AI-enhanced – it’s 1080p with Auto HDR and AI noise reduction. That means clearer, more balanced video (even in tricky lighting) and cleaner audio on calls. It’s actually the best front camera they’ve put in a Surface Laptop to date, which is great for the age of remote meetings. The Surface Pro 12″ similarly benefits from the Windows Studio Effects via the NPU, offering features like automatic framing and eye contact correction. Overall, these devices will make you look and sound better by default, whereas older Surfaces had more basic cameras.
  • Design and Usability Tweaks: While the overall look remains signature Surface, there are subtle improvements. The Surface Laptop 13″ got even lighter and thinner – you’ll notice it in hand compared to a Laptop 5. It also adds that one-touch fingerprint reader integrated into the power button (on select models) for faster logins which the prior Laptop 5 only offered on some configs. The keyboard on the Surface Pro 12″ has been reworked to sit flat and feel more stable, addressing a common complaint that the older Type Covers would flex. It still magnetically attaches and detaches, but now it can fold fully back, turning the Pro into a flat tablet for drawing – a smoother experience than before. Microsoft also introduced new color options (like Ocean blue and Violet) for both devices and accessories, which give the lineup a fresh look compared to the conservative colours of previous generation devices.
  • AI Integration at the Hardware Level: A less obvious but crucial improvement is the dedicated **Copilot key** on the new keyboards. Neither Surface Laptop 5 nor Surface Pro 9 had a key for summoning the AI assistant (Copilot) – because Copilot itself was new. By adding this button, Microsoft is signaling how central AI is to the device experience; it’s like when PCs first added a “Windows” key. Now with one tap, users can bring up the AI Copilot to do things like compose an email, summarize a document, or adjust settings. That tight integration wasn’t present in older models which only could access such features more indirectly (or not at all if they lacked an NPU).

In short, compared to the last generation, these new Surfaces are far faster and more efficient, they last hours longer, and they refine the user experience with better screens, cameras and input features. Microsoft essentially doubled down on the strengths (performance, battery, premium design) and addressed prior pain points, all while injecting a heavy dose of AI capability. It’s a generational jump that you’ll both feel in day-to-day use (snappier, less charging anxiety) and see in the form of nicer displays and webcams.

#4: These devices are “AI PCs” – what kind of AI or Copilot features can users actually use on them day-to-day?

The term “AI PC” becomes real when you look at the new **Windows 11 Copilot features and other AI-driven tools** that are enabled by the hardware. On a daily basis, a user with a Surface Copilot+ PC can take advantage of several intelligent features:

  • Windows Copilot & AI Assistant**: Front and center is the Windows Copilot, which lives right on your taskbar. With a Copilot+ PC, this assistant is more capable – it’s powered by advanced models (including now OpenAI GPT-4 for language) and can do things via voice or text commands that feel almost like talking to a smart coworker. For instance, you can ask Copilot to summarize a lengthy PDF report or even *“edit my photo to make the background blurry”* and it will do so without needing you to open an app. It’s integrated deeply: you hit the Copilot key (on the new Surface keyboard) or the icon, and you can ask anything from “adjust my display settings to night mode” to “draft an email to my team about this meeting” – the AI will understand the context and execute those tasks.
  • Recall (Preview): This is a very cool (optional) feature unique to Copilot+ PCs. Recall provides a visual timeline of your recent PC activities and lets you search your work history in plain language. Imagine you vaguely remember reading a PDF or visiting a website with a recipe, but can’t recall the name. With Recall, you could literally type “show me the design document I was looking at yesterday” and it will sift through your recent apps, documents, and even browser tabs to find it. In a demo, Microsoft showed searching for an item and Recall even surfaced a relevant Discord chat conversation with a link that was shared. It’s like having a memory assistant for your computer – no more digging through browser history or folders; you just ask in natural terms and the PC’s local AI finds it for you.
  • Click to Do: This is another new AI-powered feature. Essentially, Click to Do can analyze whatever is on your screen – text or image – and suggest actions. For example, suppose someone sends you a block of text with a list of tasks or a meeting agenda. With Click to Do, you might highlight that text and the AI will recognise, “Oh, that looks like actionable items,” and offer to turn them into reminders or a checklist. Or if there’s an address in an email, it could offer a one-click option to open it in Maps. It leverages local AI and cloud AI to save you steps, letting you stay in your flow. This kind of context-aware assistance is only possible on machines with the NPU horsepower for real-time recognition.
  • Live Captions & Real-time Translation: Copilot+ PCs can do heavy audio processing on-device. Live Captions can transcribe any audio playing on your PC (a video, a podcast, a Teams meeting) into captions instantly. What’s more, because of the AI performance, it can even translate those captions on the fly to different languages (Microsoft showcased live caption translation in demos). If you’re hard of hearing or multitasking, this is a game changer – and it works offline since the NPU handles it locally. Studio Effects like background blur, eye contact correction, and voice focus during video calls are also enhanced by AI and run more efficiently on these NPUs
  • Microsoft 365 Copilot & Plugins**: Beyond Windows itself, these Surfaces are ready for Microsoft 365 Copilot (the AI assistant in Office apps). That means in Word, you can ask Copilot to draft a document; in PowerPoint, have it generate slides from an outline; or in Excel, let it analyze data and create a chart for you. While 365 Copilot will work on many PCs, on a Copilot+ device it can tap that local AI to do certain things faster and even work when offline for some tasks. Also, Microsoft is enabling plugins – for example, the Copilot could use services like Jira or Adobe if you allow it – essentially making your AI assistant even smarter about your workflow. These Surface devices are powerful enough to handle those advanced scenarios.
  • Security and Privacy via AI: Interestingly, AI is also improving security on these machines. Windows Hello (facial login or fingerprint) is faster and more secure with new algorithms. The new NPUs work with the Pluton security chip to isolate AI processing of sensitive data. For instance, if you use voice dictation or voice commands, those are processed locally so that audio doesn’t have to be sent to the cloud. Features like Smart Clipboard (which can redact sensitive info using AI) or identifying phishing in real-time benefit from the on-device intelligence.

In everyday use, these features translate to convenience. You might start your day having Copilot summarize your unread emails, use Recall to pull up a file you edited last week without remembering filenames, have a Teams meeting with live captions for accessibility, and perhaps use Copilot in Word to brainstorm a project plan. All of this flows naturally on a Copilot+ Surface. The AI is meant to be like an ever-present helper: it watches for moments to assist (e.g., suggesting replies to a message, or offering to open an app it thinks you need) and is always just a hotkey away when you want to delegate a task. It’s also worth noting Microsoft will keep updating these AI features. They’ve already said more capabilities – like an AI “agent” in Settings that lets you describe a tech issue and then auto-fixes it – are on the way, coming to Insiders first. So your Surface Copilot+ PC will actually get smarter over time, whereas a regular PC might not gain much of this magic due to hardware limits.

#5: Surface devices are known for their design and versatility. How do these new models reflect that – any notable design, build, or usability changes?

Microsoft definitely maintained the premium design ethos of Surface while also making some thoughtful tweaks:

  • Ultra-Portable Build: Both devices are impressively thin and light. The 13-inch Surface Laptop is **smaller and lighter than a typical notebook** – it slides into a bag with ease. You pick it up and it feels almost shockingly light for a metal laptop. The Surface Pro 12-inch, at ~1.5 lbs, is so light you can hold it in one hand like a clipboard. These form-factors embody portability for people who move around a lot.
  • New Colors and Finish: Microsoft introduced new color options this generation, reflecting a more personal, lifestyle vibe. The Laptop comes in **Ocean (a deep blue) and Violet** in addition to the classic Platinum. They have this anodized aluminum finish that’s not just beautiful but durable (it resists scratches well). The Pro’s new keyboard covers come in matching hues like **Slate, Ocean, and Violet**. It’s subtle, but having color-coordinated devices and accessories is a nice touch – it lets users express a bit of personality with their tech.
  • Refined Keyboard and Trackpad: Both models got keyboard improvements. The **Surface Laptop’s keyboard** was already great, but Microsoft tuned it for quietness and comfort since this is a device you might use all day at work or in class. On the **Surface Pro 12″**, the *Type Cover* sees a big improvement – it lies flat now, making it more lap-friendly and solid when typing. The trackpads on these new Surfaces are larger and support precise gestures; they even have **adaptive touch** technology that can adjust sensitivity on the fly. Little things like that add up to a smoother user experience.
  • Copilot Button & Function Keys: A standout addition is the **Copilot key** on both devices’ keyboards. It’s positioned up on the function row (with the new Pro keyboard also adding a dedicated screen lock key and others). The Copilot key has an infinity-loop style icon; tapping it brings up the Windows Copilot pane instantly. This is a clear sign of how Microsoft is integrating AI into the daily workflow – they gave it real estate on the keyboard, which shows they expect users to hit that often. It’s reminiscent of when keyboards added a “calculator” or “email” button in the past, but here it’s for AI assistance at your fingertips.
  • Build Materials and Repairability:** Surface devices have always been premium metal builds, and these are no exception with their machined aluminum bodies. But Microsoft also **pushed sustainability and serviceability** further this time. For example, the new Surface Laptop **uses 100% recycled cobalt in its battery** and recycled rare-earth metals in magnets – that’s a first, pointing toward more eco-friendly manufacturing. Both the Laptop and Pro are also designed to be *more repairable*: many components (battery, SSD, display, etc.) can be replaced by authorized technicians instead of being glued in permanently. In the past, Surfaces were notoriously hard to repair or upgrade, so this is a positive change for longevity. The devices are still very solid and slim, but those internal design changes mean less e-waste over time.
  • Versatility (2-in-1 form factor):** The Surface Pro 12″, true to its lineage, instantly adapts from laptop to tablet to studio mode. Detach the keyboard and you’ve got a tablet for sketching or reading; prop out the kickstand at nearly any angle for watching a movie or presenting – that flexibility is intact and improved with the sturdier hinge. They even engineered the new keyboard so it **magnetically attaches and charges the Slim Pen on the back** side, instead of inside the cover or on the side. This means when you toss the Pro in your bag, the pen is snugly attached and charging, rather than prone to getting lost. It’s a thoughtful tweak for versatility.
  • Robustness for Business: On the enterprise side, the designs also account for durability. The 13″ Surface Laptop’s build was **tested against real-world scenarios** – Microsoft talks about the durable aluminum chassis and even highlights optional ruggedized cases (from partners like UAG or Kensington) to show it can handle bumps and drops if needed. Yet, even with added durability, it remains slim. The screen on both devices has Gorilla Glass and an anti-reflective coating, balancing toughness with readability.

In short, the new Surfaces carry forward that **premium, minimalist design** Surface is known for – clean lines, quality materials, and 3:2 aspect ratio touchscreens – but they also sweat a lot of details. Users will notice the devices are easier to carry, nicer to use for long stretches (thanks to improved keyboard/trackpad and cooling that keeps them fan-quiet), and even subtle things like the anti-glare screen or better speaker placement (for louder, clearer sound) improve the experience. Microsoft even catered to IT folks by **laser-etching QR codes on the chassis for asset management** (making it easy to scan inventory). So they really thought about both the end-user and the support side in these designs. The upshot: these devices feel *refined* – they’re not radical departures in looks, but they’re more polished, user-friendly, and sustainable versions of the Surface formula.

#6: Which Surface devices offer 5G connectivity? I heard there’s a new Surface Laptop 5G – what’s that about?

Until recently, if you wanted a Surface PC with cellular connectivity, your main option was the **Surface Pro 9 with 5G or Surface Pro 10 or 11 for Business. (the Arm-based model Microsoft launched in late 2022). The Surface Pro 9 5G has an integrated 5G modem thanks to its Qualcomm SQ3 processor, and it was actually *the only* Surface Pro 9 variant with any cellular radio. Users who bought that model enjoy always-on internet on the go – as soon as you’re away from Wi-Fi, the device switches to 5G/LTE data so you’re still connected. Microsoft deliberately didn’t put cellular in the Intel Surface Pro models, so the SQ3 5G model filled that niche. It’s a great solution for, say, a mobile professional or student: you can pull out your Surface Pro anywhere and immediately have internet (via eSIM or a physical SIM), much like a smartphone or iPad with LTE/5G.

Now, the exciting news is the introduction of the **new Surface Laptop 5G for Business**. This is the first time a Surface Laptop device has come with built-in 5G connectivity. Essentially, Microsoft took the 13.8-inch Surface Laptop (the Surface Laptop 7 design with Intel chips) and outfitted it with a 5G modem and antennas, creating a special **“Surface Laptop 5G” variant for enterprise users**. This device is **aimed at mobile professionals** who need that constant connectivity but in a traditional laptop form-factor, not a tablet. Under the hood, it’s interesting: instead of using a Qualcomm processor (which has integrated cellular), Microsoft went with an Intel **Core Ultra (13th Gen, Lunar Lake) CPU** for the Surface Laptop 5G, paired with an Intel 5G solution module. That Intel chip still meets the Copilot+ PC requirements by having a built-in NPU above 40 TOPS, so you don’t miss out on the AI features.

What they did was **redesign the laptop’s internal architecture to accommodate 5G**. The Surface team developed a custom six-antenna array and placed it strategically in the laptop’s chassis for optimal reception. They even used a special multi-layered laminate and composite materials in the palm rest to ensure the metal body doesn’t interfere with signal. According to Microsoft, the device can **seamlessly switch between Wi-Fi and 5G networks** and was field-tested in over 50 countries with 100+ mobile operators to ensure reliable connectivity worldwide. It supports both nanoSIM and eSIM, and covers global frequency bands – so whether you’re in the office, on a train, or traveling internationally, this laptop can stay connected. In terms of experience, that means one moment you’re on office Wi-Fi, and when you step outside, you’re transparently handed off to 5G data without missing a beat. It can even act as a mobile hotspot for your other devices if needed.

So to sum up **the Surface devices with 5G**:
– **Surface Pro 9 (5G)** – the 13-inch 2-in-1 tablet with Microsoft SQ3 Arm processor and 5G, which was the first Surface PC to offer 5G connectivity. It’s fanless, always-connected, and great for tablet use cases.
– **Surface Laptop 5G (13.8-inch, Business)** – the newly announced laptop with Intel Core Ultra, featuring built-in 5G via a custom design, shipping starting August 26, 2025. This one is targeted at business users who need a no-compromise laptop that’s mobile. It’s essentially a Surface Laptop 7 variant with cellular. Microsoft hasn’t announced a consumer version with 5G (perhaps because many consumers tether phones instead), so it’s mainly a business product for now.

It’s worth noting that other Surface products historically have had 4G LTE options (for example, older Surface Pro models and Surface Go 2/3 offered LTE Advanced versions), but **5G is newer to the lineup**. The Surface Pro 9 5G introduced that capability, and now Surface Laptop 5G expands it. Microsoft chose to bring 5G to the business Laptop first, likely because a lot of enterprise customers requested a connected laptop for their field workforce. There’s no Surface Pro 12 or Pro 11 with 5G announced yet – the new smaller Pro uses Qualcomm but is Wi-Fi only. So moving forward we might see more 5G in Surfaces, but at this moment, **the Pro 9 (5G) and the new Laptop 5G are your go-to Surface devices for cellular connectivity**. If you need to be online anytime, anywhere, those are the models to consider.

#6: With all these models in the Surface lineup now – Pro tablets, Laptops in different sizes, and even a 5G model – how should one choose the right Surface device? Who are these for?

The Surface lineup indeed has grown, and each device is tailored for particular user needs. Here’s a breakdown to help choose:

– **Surface Pro (12-inch and 13-inch models)**: If you value **versatility and pen input**, the Surface Pro line is ideal. The new **Surface Pro 12″ Copilot+** is the thinnest, lightest option – great for note-takers, artists, or anyone who wants the flexibility of a tablet that can become a laptop[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2025/05/06/introducing-all-new-surface-copilot-pcs-the-surface-pro-12-inch-and-surface-laptop-13-inch/?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 “2”). It’s also the most affordable entry into Copilot+ PCs at $799, so it’s attractive to students and mobile professionals. The larger **Surface Pro 13″ (Pro 11)**, which was announced with a 13-inch screen and even an OLED option[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/everything-microsoft-just-announced-copilot-plus-pcs-surface-pro-and-laptop-running-on-qualcomm/?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 “3”), might suit someone who wants that extra screen real estate for multitasking or drawing, and perhaps a bit more performance (it can be configured with a more powerful Snapdragon X Elite chip and up to 64GB RAM[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://www.ytechb.com/all-copilot-plus-pcs-list/?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 “4”)). In general, Surface Pros are for the **tech-savvy on-the-go** – people who might sketch one minute, type an email the next, and present a slideshow after that. They weigh under 2 pounds, so you barely notice them in your bag. If you need 24/7 connectivity, note that only the older Pro 9 5G has cellular. The newest Pro models (12″ and 13″) are Wi-Fi only, so you’d tether or use a hotspot if needed.

– **Surface Laptop (13-inch Copilot+ and 13.8/15-inch Laptop 7)**: If you prefer a **traditional laptop form factor** (no detachables, just open-and-go clamshell) and a built-in keyboard, the Surface Laptop family is your pick. The **Surface Laptop 13″ Copilot+** is perfect for those who want extreme portability but primarily do laptop things (web browsing, Office apps, video calls) with the occasional AI boost. It’s very light, has extraordinary battery life[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2025/05/06/introducing-all-new-surface-copilot-pcs-the-surface-pro-12-inch-and-surface-laptop-13-inch/?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 “2”), and at $899 it’s positioned well for college students, teachers, or entrepreneurs who move around campus or the city. On the other hand, the **Surface Laptop 7 (13.8″ and 15″)** models – which Microsoft released for more performance-hungry users – are a bit larger and heavier but offer bigger screens and more power. The 15-inch Surface Laptop is great if you need a roomy display for things like spreadsheets, movies, or multitasking with split-screen windows. Those Laptop 7s can be configured with either the same Snapdragon chips or Intel Core Ultra chips[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/laptops/microsoft-introduces-new-intel-powered-surface-laptop-7-and-surface-pro-11-copilot-pcs?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 “8”), so you have flexibility if your work relies on certain x86 apps (some businesses still need Intel for compatibility). They’re pricier – starting around $1,100 for 13.8″ and higher for 15″ – and aim at professionals who want a balance of performance and portability. Essentially, choose a Laptop if you mostly type and don’t need a pen tablet, and pick the size based on how portable vs. how expansive you want your screen.

– **Surface Laptop 5G (13.8″, Business)**: This is a bit of a specialty device – it’s for the **road warriors** in the enterprise world. Think of consultants, field engineers, salespeople constantly traveling. They get the reliability of a Surface Laptop (excellent keyboard, sleek design) *plus* always-on 5G connectivity for team collaboration from anywhere[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/surfaceitpro/boost-mobile-productivity-with-surface-laptop-5g-for-business-and-surface-copilo/4429940?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 “6”). It’s only offered to business channels right now and likely at a premium price (since even the non-5G Intel model was ~$1,499). So, if your job takes you out of the office often and your company issues high-end gear, the Surface Laptop 5G could be your best companion – no need to tether to your phone, just open it and you’re connected securely to your corporate network on the go.

– **Other Surface Devices**: While not explicitly covered in this Copilot+ launch, it’s worth mentioning the broader lineup. There’s the **Surface Laptop Studio 2** (last refreshed in 2023) which is the powerhouse with a unique flip-down display – great for creative professionals who need GPU horsepower for design, 3D or video editing. However, Microsoft has been streamlining the lineup post-2023, and the Laptop Studio and Surface Studio desktop are higher-end niche devices (and not part of the Copilot+ wave yet). For most people, the choice will be between a Surface Pro vs. Surface Laptop form factor. And if you’re more budget-conscious or have basic needs, previously Microsoft had the **Surface Go** line (a smaller 10-inch budget 2-in-1) and **Surface Laptop Go**, which are more entry-level. Those don’t have the Copilot+ level specs (nor 5G), but they’re simple and affordable for casual use – though as AI features become more central, the Go line might evolve too.

To decide, ask yourself: *Do I need a tablet or a laptop?* If you need to draw, annotate, read comfortably or be ultra-mobile – go with a Surface Pro. If you mostly type and prefer the stability of a laptop in your lap, go with a Surface Laptop. **Screen size** is the next factor: 12-13″ is highly portable, 15″ gives you more room for work and media. **Connectivity**: if you require cellular, your current option is the Surface Pro 9 5G (tablet) or the new Surface Laptop 5G (laptop) on the business side. **AI and Performance needs**: rest assured, any Copilot+ labeled Surface will handle everyday tasks and AI features well. The differences come if you have specific heavy workflows – e.g., if you edit videos you might lean to a model with higher RAM or an Intel chip for software compatibility.

The good news is that all these Surfaces maintain a consistent quality and experience: high-resolution 3:2 touchscreens, great build quality, Windows Hello login, and they all run Windows 11 with the latest updates. They even share many accessories. So it’s hard to go wrong. It really boils down to whether you want the tablet flexibility or a classic laptop, and what screen size feels right. Microsoft has essentially **filled out the lineup** so that there’s a Surface for almost every use-case – from students with the ultra-mobile Pro 12, to coders or writers who might love the Laptop 13, to designers who might use a larger device. And all the new ones announced come with that Copilot+ DNA, meaning whichever you pick, you’re getting a taste of that AI-accelerated future of computing. Microsoft’s product lead summed it up well: we now have **“great experiences for great value”** across different form factors, so users can choose the device that best fits their working style[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](/?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 “2”).

Sources.

https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2025/05/06/introducing-all-new-surface-copilot-pcs-the-surface-pro-12-inch-and-surface-laptop-13-inch

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Microsoft 365 Copilot now powered by GPT-5

Yes… Microsoft are updating Microsoft 365 Copilot with support for GPT-5 across the Microsoft Al stack. This is live now and rolling out across Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Studio after being made available to “Insiders” on Copilot consumer/personal last week.


This quick incorporation of GPT-5 into Copilot underscores Microsoft’s pledge to integrate OpenAI’s cutting-edge models into the their AI products within 30 days of availability.

What is so great about GPT-5?

GPT-5 in Copilot is built on a dual-engine (think two brain approach) architecture designed to better align to the way humans think. It will. Adapt the “mode” based on the ask and type of response of work needed.

  • Real-time routing: rather having to choose the model (such as deep thinker or research), for every prompt, Copilot now automatically evaluates the prompt and it’s complexity and then selects the ideal GPT-5 sub-model for the response.
  • High-throughput model : Tackles routine tasks quickly, delivering succinct answers to straightforward requests. 
  • Deep-reasoning model: Which engages when advanced analysis or creativity is needed, taking time to plan, verify context, and ensure accuracy before responding.

This adaptive model selection brings together speed and depth, and can change within the same conversation. This means as your conversation with Copilot evolves so does the way it responds, without the user having to change modes.

(c) Microsoft

Open AI’s CEO Sam Altman said that “the new model, GPT-5, is its smartest and fastest to date with wide-ranging improvements to ChatGPT’s skills in areas like coding, writing and taking on complex actions.”

How GPT-5 in Copilot shifts the conversation.

GPT-5 builds on GPT-4 with:

  • A vastly expanded context window (up to 100K tokens) – on average a token is equivalent to about four characters of an English word.
  • Improved reasoning and multi-step problem solving without having to manually choose the model up front. Can also switch dynamically in the same conversation.
  • Enhanced memory and recall capabilities
  • Support for multimodal inputs (text, image, audio)… Note output is still text!
  • Faster, and much more accurate responses

Copilot with GPT-5 isn’t just smarter—it’s more practical too. The increased token input also means it can handle entire project folders, analyse longer documents, and deliver context-aware outputs that feel tailored to your workflow and chosen format.

Image a scenario where I ask Copilot to “Summarise a new solution proposition“. This would trigger GPT-5’s high-throughput route, scanning the document or documents to return a concise summary as per the ask.

When I then ask Copilot to “review this against best practise examples, and make suggestions fornimprovement and then create me a ‘better’ version based on your suggestions“, Copilot will seamlessly switch to use it’s deep reasoning mode. You know it has switched modes as you literally see it think.

GPT-5 Agents in Copilot Studio

People or teams building specialised workflows or agents in Copilot Studio now also get support for GPT-5 which is now the primary engine for custom agents.

GPT-5 better enables agents to tackle more complex processes like compliance audits or financial modeling with greater precision and contextual awareness than previous GPT powered agents.

How to use GPT-5 in Microsoft 365 Copilot

GPT-5 support in Copilot is available now for licensed Microsoft 365 Copilot users. Once rolled out to your environment, users will  see a new “Try GPT-5 button” in Copilot Chat. Once activated, Copilot will leverage GPT-5 across your work and web data by default.

A Microsoft 365 Copilot License grants priority access, with broader rollout to Copilot Chat only users rolling out over the next few weeks.

Is it better?

My suggestions

Compare a prompt such as:  “Summarise my emails from the last week, determine which ones require actions and break them down into high impact, low impact and trivial based on your analysis“.

Try this and try this again with GPT-5 enabled.

Try longer prompts…you can essentially now. Feed Copilot with…

  • A full business proposal
  • A multi-tab Excel workbook
  • A folder of Markdown files or code
  • A long-form research paper with citations

…it can handle all of it in one prompt, as long as the total token count stays under 100K.

It’s important to note that the prompt is just part of the context window. The model also needs room for its response. So if you use 80,000 tokens for input, you’ll have ~20,000 tokens left for output. Hopefully that makes sense.!

This isn’t just summarising anymore—it’s deep analysis, synthesis, and contextual understanding across dozens (or hundreds) of pages.

Read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/08/07/available-today-gpt-5-in-microsoft-365-copilot/

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Microsoft is now a $4 trillion company

Last week, Microsoft crossed $4 trillion market valuation, becoming the second company after Nvidia to hit the milestone.

This was off the back of their FY25 earning report in which they posted a better-than-expected result that pushed up their market capitalisation past the $4 trillion mark. This was fuelled by Microsoft reporting $76.4 billion in revenue, an 18% year-over-year increase, and $27.2 billion in net income, marking a 24% jump from the previous year.

“Cloud and AI is the driving force of business transformation across every industry and sector” | Satya Nadella | CEO, Microsoft.

Microsoft’s AI strategy is no longer speculative—it’s operational,as they also disclosed that Copilot  now serve over 100 million monthly active users.

Microsoft’s Azure cloud division emerged as the standout performer, with revenue jumping 39% compared to analyst estimates of 34.75%.

This milestone isn’t just a headline; it’s a signal flare for the future of enterprise technology, cloud infrastructure, and AI-powered transformation.

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What is Copilot Mode in Edge?

After being in preview for a while, Copilot Mode has now officially arrived in Microsoft Edge (just as Google have announced their AI mode).

Copilot Mode Toggle

This shows the shift away from the traditional ways we use search engines in browsers where we are juggling tabs and search bars to the future of search where instead we interact with a single, context-aware AI assistant…like Copilot.

A Single Input for Chat, Search, and Navigation

For years, browsers have followed the same routine: open tabs, search, scroll, repeat. But with AI reshaping how we live and work online, it’s time to ask our browsers can now finally do much much more.

Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge is a new experimental experience that turns your browser into an intelligent collaborator. It’s been in testing for a while and is designed to help you stay focused, cut through clutter, and anticipates what you might need or want to do next.

In Copilot Mode, you get a new clean input field at the top of each new tab which works in three ways:

  • Allows for free-form queries such as “What’s the best time to visit the Isle of Wight for festivals?”
  • Assists in direct navigation, for example “Open my Blog Site”
  • Enables conversational prompts such as “Summarise the devices across these open tabs and list main advantages of each product I’ve been looking at”.

Unifying these experiences makes edge feels less like a collection of different l UI elements and more like a well thought out, integrated experience powered by AI!

Context Travels Across Your Tabs

One of my favourite things about the EdgeCopilot Mode’s is its ability to “see” and reason over your open tabs (when you opt in). This is an opt in experience with the  permission toggle living front and center. Once enebwled though, Copilot to see your all your tables which means you can upgrade your search experience buy, for example:

  • Comparing prices and features across multiple shopping sites
  • Compile research snippets and information from different articles or resources into a single summary or document.
  • Highlight contradictions or gaps in the information you’ve gathered across multiple pages/tabs


In my initial playing around, I let Copilot Mode review a dozen tabs on different beaches that were dog friendly. Within seconds, I had a side-by-side comparison of locations, and time and date restrictions.

Delegating Repetitive Tasks

Beyond analysis, Copilot Mode performs actions on your behalf. With simple text or voice commands, you can ask it to:

  • Open, close, or pin tabs 
  • Extract key data points from a page (dates, figures, contact info)
  • Cross-reference details between sites (“Which of these three hotels has better guest reviews?”) 

You can also of course “talk” to Copilot. As an example, I said aloud, “Pull the top three quotes for API integration services and email them to my team.” Copilot Mode located the relevant pages, skimmed out the quotes, and drafted an email in Outlook—all without leaving Edge.

Control Over Privacy and Security

Privacy controls and choice are at the moment of Copilot Mode. You choose when to share itab context, voice access, or browsing history. In short:

  • All data stays local unless you explicitly share it.
  • You can disable Copilot Mode entirely at any time and revert back to the classic experience at any time.
  • The feature adheres to the same security standards as the rest of Edge .

Initial impressions

After a couple of weeks of using Copilot Mode as my primary browser interface on Edge I found that incertaibly saw efficiency gains when collecting and comparing information across different sites, though it’s different to how you traditionally use a browser so takes a bit of time to be part of your browser “muscle memory”.

I also found the handoff from traditonal browsing to active task completion  with Copilot pretty seemlessly and easy. You are not stuck in one mode.

There is more coming as Microsoft have talked opening in their blog about deeper integrations such as auto page summarisation without context switching, AI-powered tab grouping, and browser themes that adapt to your workflow. I expect these to come to Insider and beta users soon.

How to try Copilot Mode in Edge

Cpilot Mode is now generally availble for anyone to try in latest Edge release for both Windows and Apple Mac. To enable and test it out follow these simple instructions:

1. Update Edge to the current build 
2. Enable Copilot Mode: Settings > New Tab Page 
3. Grant permissions for multi-tab context or voice commands to suite preference.
4. Type or speak your first command in the unified Copilot/Search input box.

Copilot Mode toggle

You can also head over to aka.ms/copilot-mode

Would love to know how you find it? How does it compare to other browsers or the new AI mode Google have just released?

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What is Copilot Smart Mode?

Copilot Modes July 2025

It snuck in quietly, like all meaningful innovations do. I didn’t see a press release, or announcement – and just saw it “pop” up for me today with one small pop-up. Just one single word, Smart. And yet, beneath the understated label lies perhaps the most pivotal shift in the way generative AI models like Copilot and ChatGPT work since manual “model selectors” first became a thing.

This is, yes, you’ve guessed it GPT5!

Smarter Than Smart – the quiet revolution of reasoning

Copilot (i’m talking the consumer version currently at copilot.microsoft.com) or via the Windows, IOS and Android app, currently has three modes of chat which you choose based on the discussion with Copilot you want to have. This is similar to how ChatGPT works also today.

  • Quick Response [for every day conversations]
  • Think Deeper [for more complex topics]
  • Deep Research [Detailed reports with references]

That is changing – Microsoft Copilot’s new ‘Smart’ mode doesn’t ask you to choose a conversation type anymore. Instead it now adapts for you – automatically and intuitively.

This means, that depending on your query, for example whether you’re scoping customer insights, untangling a tricky dependency in a network diagram, or storytelling your way through a general chat, summarisation of marketing ideas, ‘Smart’ mode calibrates itself to the conversation and task at hand.

In short – in this mode, Copilot will now decide what model it thinks it needs to help you. Copilot has auto reasoning — true adaptive, context-aware reasoning based on the ask.

What Makes This Mode Smart?

‘Smart’ mode is likely powered by OpenAI’s upcoming GPT-5, a model anticipated to merge the OpenAI o-series and GPT-series models into one unified framework.

What we’re seeing as these models evolve is:

  • An intuitive reasoning engine, not just predictive text- task “and” context aware
  • Self-calibrating depth, reducing cognitive load by using the right tool for the right job
  • Model abstraction, freeing users from having to pick the right tool for the job themselves

Microsoft hasn’t just added another dial. It’s looking to hide the dial entirely — and taught the model how to turn it for you (however as it’s in preview you do need to turn the auto mode on – for now at least).

Copilot’s Human Centric UX

As you can see above, instead of users needing to flip between “Think Deeper,” “Quick Response,” and “Deep Research,” (or not evening understanding what these mean and therefore ignoring it), Copilot’s Smart mode does what most tools never do: it assumes responsibility. That’s more than a UX shift — it’s a culture shift. This means no longer asking (non technical) users to understand what the different models the model hierarchy or decoding acronyms like o4-mini. Instead Copilot is getting cognitive delegation.

This means we will be able to “trust”Copilot to know when to dig deeper and when to skim the surface.

Examples: Tech Architects, Storytellers, and Strategists

The table below gives some examples of where Copilot Smart mode can make a big different in use:

RoleBefore Smart ModeWith Smart Mode
Solution ArchitectManually toggling depth based on task complexityInstant adjustment to scope and context
Content Creator/MarketingSelecting modes based on tone and detail requiredNatural flow from quip to deep dive
EnginnerTesting prompts for clarity vs depthGetting both — with nuance — the first time

This isn’t just about being faster. It’s about being right-sized. Strategically aligned, creatively agile, and cognitively respectful.

What about control and “mode anxiety”?

We’ve all wrestled with prompt engineering, hoping we’re not asking too little or too much. Smart mode is Copilot whispering, “I’ve got you.” That’s a leap from assistant to partner — the kind we’ve spent decades trying to design into our workflows, team cultures, and tech stacks.

Copilot Smart Mode Preview?

This is in preview clearly – or was it rolled out silently. Anyway, if you have it, give it a try (I have it on desktop and web plus mobile). Let me know your thoughts.

It will be interesting to see if eventually the modes disappear and we just have an “auto” mode.

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