Microsoft 365 Companion Apps Integrate Copilot

Microsoft is integrating its Copilot AI into the new Microsoft 365 People, Files, and Calendar companion apps for Windows 11. These companion apps are exclusively available for commercial customers and are expected to be automatically installed as part of the Microsoft 365 apps update process on Windows 11.

According to Microsoft, Copilot will enable each companion app to be grounded in work data, providing the fastest and easiest way to prompt for relevant questions. The companion apps offer instant suggestions for each item, along with a freeform box for user prompts.

In the People companion app, the Copilot button under contact cards will suggest prompts to help users catch up on their contact's recent activity. To obtain more information, Copilot will transfer the question to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, initiating a chat conversation.

In the Files companion app, the 'Ask Copilot' button next to files will suggest various prompts, such as 'what's the context for this?' or 'highlight key figures or trends.' Proceeding with the prompt will open a chat conversation in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app.

Copilot will soon be available in the Calendar companion app, primarily allowing users to ask Copilot to recap meetings in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. Currently, Copilot in the Microsoft 365 companion apps is available only for commercial customers on Enterprise or Business SKUs, and a Microsoft 365 Copilot license ($30 per user per month) is required.

This integration reflects the ongoing evolution of the tech industry, aiming to enhance user productivity and streamline workflows.