Microsoft Enhances Office Apps with More Free AI Features
Microsoft is set to enhance its Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with new AI features. These additions will be available for free starting in early 2026, making advanced functionalities more accessible without a subscription to Microsoft 365 Copilot.
New Free AI Features in Microsoft Office Apps
The rollout of free AI capabilities follows the initial introduction of Copilot Chat in September 2023. This chatbot will soon offer improved functionality for Outlook users. It will be able to navigate an entire inbox, allowing users to manage emails, calendar appointments, and meetings effectively.
Enhanced Outlook Functionality
- Copilot Chat can triage entire inboxes.
- Schedule and prepare for meetings without a paid subscription.
This improvement marks a significant expansion from the previous feature, which was limited to single email threads.
Agent Mode in Office Apps
Another major enhancement is the introduction of Agent Mode. Originally launched for paid subscribers in September, it will soon be available for all Microsoft 365 users. The features include:
- Word and Excel: Generate complex documents and spreadsheets with simple prompts.
- Excel: Users can select between Anthropic and OpenAI reasoning models for data processing.
- PowerPoint: Update existing presentations with branded templates and create new slides with ease.
Upcoming Features and Pricing Changes
Microsoft aims to preview these upgrades for Microsoft 365 subscribers by March 2026. In addition, the company plans to launch a new tier, Microsoft 365 Copilot Business, next month. This version is tailored for small and midsize businesses and will be available at a lower cost of $21 per month for companies with fewer than 300 users.
These changes signify Microsoft’s commitment to integrating advanced AI into its Office apps, enhancing productivity and collaboration for its users.
