Microsoft is making waves in the AI space with a slew of exciting updates to its Copilot platform. In a recent event, the company introduced several new features that had been previously seen on competitors like Google Gemini and OpenAI ChatGPT. These updates include powerful tools such as Actions, Memory, Vision, and Copilot Search. The highlight, however, is the addition of two fan-favorite AI tools, Deep Research and AI Podcasts, finally landing on Microsoft’s Copilot platform.
Deep Research: A Long-Awaited Upgrade
Microsoft’s Copilot has long been lacking a comprehensive research tool—until now. The Deep Research feature, which has been a major selling point for platforms like Google Gemini and ChatGPT, is finally part of the Copilot suite. This tool is designed for users who need in-depth, well-sourced reports rather than generic chatbot responses. “Copilot can find, analyze, and combine information from online sources or large amounts of documents and images,†Microsoft explains. With Deep Research, users can request thorough research on any topic, and the AI will sift through reliable sources to create a comprehensive document with cited sources, saving hours of manual work. This feature is a game-changer for users who need detailed reports for research, business, or personal projects.A User-Friendly Experience with Deep Research
The best part? Users don’t need a Microsoft account to use Deep Research. With five free queries per month, it’s accessible to anyone, and Copilot Pro subscribers get unlimited access along with priority service. The feature can pull information from both online sources and local files, making it versatile for different types of research. This is a significant upgrade for Microsoft, as it joins competitors like Gemini and Perplexity in offering an AI-powered research assistant. The tool’s integration into Copilot is seamless, offering users the ability to turn a simple query into a detailed, professional report in no time.
AI Podcasts: Turning Information into Immersive Listening
Another exciting feature making its way to Microsoft Copilot is the AI Podcast tool. First popularized by Google’s NotebookLM and later implemented in Gemini, this feature allows users to convert information into immersive audio content. Microsoft has taken the concept a step further by allowing users to interact with the podcasts. Unlike Google Gemini’s audio overviews, Microsoft’s AI Podcasts allow for interactive listening. “While listening, you can continue to talk and interact with Copilot to learn more and keep the conversations going,†Microsoft explains. This means you can ask the AI to delve deeper into specific topics or clarify information while you’re listening to the podcast.Customizable Podcasts: From Websites to Offline Files
Microsoft’s version of AI Podcasts offers a couple of unique perks. For starters, users can upload their own offline resources and turn them into podcasts. Whether it's a PDF, a webpage, or other documents, Copilot will process these files and transform them into a narrated experience. This feature gives users the flexibility to convert personal files, internal reports, or research material into an engaging, informative podcast format. The AI Podcast tool is poised to redefine how people consume information, particularly for those who prefer audio content over traditional reading. Whether you're learning on the go or simply prefer to listen, these podcasts are a game-changer for information accessibility.Copilot Search: Enhancing Microsoft’s Search Engine
Alongside Deep Research and AI Podcasts, Microsoft also introduced Copilot Search, which brings Google-like AI capabilities to Microsoft’s Bing search engine. This feature allows users to query Microsoft’s Bing engine in an AI-powered mode, similar to Google’s AI-driven search tools. Copilot Search is designed to make information retrieval faster and more intuitive, offering smarter results that are tailored to your needs.