Microsoft is enhancing its Copilot application for Windows, introducing new features that enable users to generate documents directly from chat sessions and integrate their Gmail and Outlook accounts. The rollout begins with Windows Insiders before expanding to all users of Windows 11.
The updated Copilot app allows users to create a variety of documents, including Word files, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and PDFs, all from the chat interface. According to Microsoft’s Copilot team, “Simply providing a prompt allows you to turn ideas, notes, and data into editable and shareable documents without any additional steps or tools.” The app also features a default export button for replies exceeding 600 characters, facilitating direct transfers to Word, PowerPoint, Excel, or a PDF format.
The updated Copilot also enables users to connect their Outlook and Gmail accounts, allowing the AI assistant to retrieve information from these email services. For instance, users can instruct Copilot to locate invoices from specific companies or access a contact’s email address.
This capability is optional, requiring users to deliberately link their Outlook or Google accounts in the app’s connectors section. They can also connect services such as OneDrive, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Google Contacts, akin to the integration features that OpenAI introduced in ChatGPT earlier this year.
The enhanced Copilot app precedes the launch of a new OneDrive application expected next year. The updated OneDrive for Windows will introduce features like a new gallery view, AI-enhanced slideshows, and advanced editing tools.
