Microsoft adds coding tool and AI coworker to Copilot

Microsoft announced on Friday a series of new features for its Copilot platform, including a coding tool and an always-on AI agent. The updates are part of the software giant's push to transform its artificial intelligence assistant into a centralised workspace for office employees and compete with rivals such as ChatGPT and Claude.

The company is integrating Office suite applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, directly into Copilot. This change allows users to collaborate on documents without leaving the AI interface.

Among the additions is Code, a feature that lets users build applications, dashboards, and software using natural language prompts. Powered by the same technology as GitHub Copilot, it will reach early access customers at the end of this month, with preview testing opening to 365 Premium and Pro subscribers later this year.

Microsoft also introduced Autopilot, a revamped version of its Scout AI agent unveiled in June. Entering private preview at the end of the month, the digital coworker receives its own corporate directory identity and user-managed permissions. Annie Pearl, corporate vice president of Copilot products, noted that the feature was designed to address corporate security, compliance, and governance challenges.

Additionally, Microsoft rolled out cost-management tools to help employees monitor AI usage expenses directly, responding to rising business concerns over unexpected technology costs.