Microsoft unveils Copilot super app, targeting business users with AI agents

Microsoft has introduced a new "Copilot super app" aimed at business users, seeking to capitalize on the growing importance of AI for the software giant. The super app is a central interface that allows customers to interact with AI bots, access AI tools, write code, and utilize a new "Autopilot" feature that enables AI agents to autonomously perform tasks. This major redesign of Microsoft's existing Copilot app aims to consolidate various features and capabilities into a single, versatile tool for AI productivity.

The launch of the Copilot super app comes after Microsoft consolidated its Copilot products, which critics had deemed confusing for customers. The new app is designed to streamline subscriptions in a rapidly growing business segment that is crucial to Microsoft's revenue. It integrates with Microsoft's Office tools, enabling users to perform tasks on Excel spreadsheets or alter layouts in Word documents through AI bots.

While there is a free version of the super app, full functionality requires a Microsoft subscription or workplace license, with additional charges based on the usage of the most advanced autonomous capabilities. The Autopilot feature allows users to assign AI agents with roles, goals, and tasks, such as updating project status, tracking work decisions, reminding colleagues of deadlines, gathering preparation materials, and reaching out to partners.

Microsoft is also introducing a coding feature aimed at non-software engineers, enabling them to build apps, dashboards, or other tools. The coding tool, based on Microsoft's GitHub Copilot technology, will be available to Microsoft 365 Premium and Pro subscribers through an early-test program later this year. Another feature, Autopilot, will undergo a restricted phase of user testing before a broader rollout, contingent on the testers' feedback on the new tools.

Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella unveiled the Copilot super app alongside Copilot Executive Vice President Jacob Andreou and Charles Lamanna, executive vice president of Copilot, agents, and platform. The app plugs into Microsoft's Office suite, allowing users to request AI assistance with various tasks, such as working with Excel or adjusting Word document layouts.

While the super app aims to be an all-in-one productivity suite, its full range of offerings will require subscriptions or workplace licenses from both enterprise customers and individual users.