Free Copilot Chat Lands For All, Exchange Audit Logging Changes & More: The Practical 365 Podcast S4 E34
Jan 22, 2025
auto_awesome
Steve and Paul discuss Microsoft's decision to make Copilot Chat free for all Microsoft 365 users. They also delve into the upcoming changes to Exchange Online audit logging and the new Outlook's deployment via Windows Update. The hosts explore advancements in chat-based AI, document summarization, and the implications for enterprise efficiency. Additionally, they analyze Microsoft's AI reorganization and its effects on workflows and software development. Lastly, they touch on improving MFA resilience and transitioning to WhatsApp for notifications.
37:08
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Microsoft's decision to make Copilot Chat free for all users enhances accessibility to AI tools, promoting efficiency and innovation in organizations.
The restructuring of development teams within Microsoft aims to align AI services with their software offerings, fostering innovation and improving user experiences.
Deep dives
Microsoft 365 CoPilot Integration
Microsoft is making strides by incorporating CoPilot chat functionality into Microsoft 365 at no additional license cost, enhancing user accessibility. This chat feature, which allows for AI-powered interactions based on tenant data, marks a significant shift towards making AI tools more widely available within the corporate environment. With this change, businesses can leverage agents provisioned under a pay-as-you-go model, potentially increasing revenue for Microsoft as user adoption grows. The expectation is that providing easier access to these tools will drive efficiency and innovation within organizations as they seek to automate processes.
The Rise of AI Agents
AI agents are becoming a focal point for Microsoft, aiming to simplify employee tasks through automation. By allowing users to build custom agents that address specific business needs, Microsoft is democratizing the development of AI solutions within organizations, reducing the technical barriers traditionally associated with such tasks. This capability is especially beneficial for departments that are often overwhelmed with manual processes, enabling them to deploy AI agents to handle repetitive tasks. However, the effectiveness of these agents will rely on their ability to meet user demands and provide tangible value in real-world applications.
Document Summarization Features
The introduction of an automatic summarization feature for documents in Microsoft 365 has generated mixed feelings among users regarding its practical utility. While theoretically beneficial, especially for those who frequently consume documents, some users question the value it brings when many documents are authored by themselves. There is concern that this feature may become a resource drain if implemented without efficiency measures, as summarizing documents could lead to unnecessary computational costs if not managed appropriately. Despite the skepticism, the potential for machine-generated summaries reflects a significant technological advancement, showcasing the evolving capabilities of AI in document management.
Migration and Restructuring within Microsoft
Microsoft is reorganizing its development teams to align more closely with its focus on AI services, which could enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their software offerings. This restructuring aims to harness the expertise of both software developers and AI specialists, fostering an environment conducive to innovation. The upcoming public preview of tenant-to-tenant migration using PowerShell for the Power Platform signifies Microsoft’s commitment to improving user experiences and operational efficiency for organizations managing multiple environments. This migration capability will simplify processes for businesses, potentially leading to broader adoption of the Power Platform and its applications in workplace automation.
Join Steve Goodman and Paul Robichaux to discuss Microsoft's latest announcements, including the surprise move to make Copilot Chat free for all Microsoft 365 users, significant changes coming to Exchange Online audit logging, and the new Outlook's arrival via Windows Update. Plus, get their takes on Microsoft's major AI reorganization with the new CoreAI division, and what all these changes mean for IT pros as we start 2025.
Want to stay up to date on all things Practical 365? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin to stay up to date on all things Microsoft!
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode