Ep 29 - Copilot Wave 2 Spring Release

Send us a textNews, news, news - we have lots of new news! Zoe and Kevin discuss the latest announcements from Microsoft about Copilot Wave 2 Spring Release. We delve into the significance of the Work Trend Index, the new user interface and search experience, and the introduction of memory and notebooks features. Then we dig into the management and reporting of agents, the concept of the human-agent ratio (including some extreme reactions to some new phrases from Microsoft...) and the importance of leadership in leveraging AI capabilities. Finally, we cover some of the magical events coming up.TakeawaysWave 2 announcements from Microsoft include significant updates and features.The Work Trend Index is crucial for understanding productivity trends.A new user interface is being introduced for a better user experience.Memory features will enhance user interactions with Copilot.Notebooks will allow users to group and summarize conversations.The Create Experience will simplify content creation across platforms.Agent management is becoming more streamlined with the Frontier Program.Understanding the human-agent ratio is essential for effective delegation.Upcoming conferences will provide opportunities for community engagement.Sound Bites"The skill of delegation is something that everyone wanted to get.""Minutes saved isn't cashable.""It definitely feels like conference season is in full swing."

Send us a textIn this episode of Copilot Connection, Zoe and Kevin are joined by Gary Raife to discuss the transformative potential of AI and Microsoft Copilot in the healthcare sector. We explore the challenges of interoperability, the role of AI in enhancing patient care, and the exciting developments of Dragon Copilot. The conversation also touches on the integration of personal health data, the importance of trust and transparency in AI applications, and the future of healthcare driven by data and technology.TakeawaysHealthcare presents a significant opportunity for AI integration.Interoperability remains a critical challenge in healthcare systems.AI can enhance patient experiences and streamline workflows.Dragon Copilot introduces ambient listening capabilities for clinicians.Wearable technology can provide valuable health data for monitoring.Trust and transparency are essential for AI adoption in healthcare.Personal health data integration can improve patient outcomes.AI should support clinicians rather than replace them.The future of healthcare will be increasingly data-driven.Collaboration between technology and healthcare professionals is vital. Key linksGary's blogNewsIntroducing Researcher and Analyst in Microsoft 365 Copilot | Microsoft 365 BlogCopilot Consumer Updates - Your AI Companion - The Official Microsoft BlogNew capabilities in Azure AI Foundry to build advanced agentic applications  | Microsoft Azure BlogInterpreter AgentInterpreter in Microsoft Teams meetings - Microsoft SupportKevin's view of Interpreter AgentCopilot Studio Toolkit updates announcedmicrosoft/Power-CAT-Copilot-Studio-KitIntroduction - Model Context ProtocolAnnouncing the Agent2Agent Protocol (A2A) - Google Developers BlogHealthcare relatedMeet Microsoft Dragon Copilot: Your new AI assistant for clinical workflow - Microsoft Industry BlogsMicrosoft Cloud for Healthcare | Microsoft

Send us a textHow responsible are you with AI? Zoe Wilson and Kevin McDonnell are joined this week by Chris Huntingford (Director of AI at ANS among many other things!), focusing on responsible AI practices, data management, and the socio-economic impacts of technology. We covered the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in AI implementation. The discussion also touches on the cultural shifts required for successful AI adoption, the challenges of governance in AI systems, and the future of AI agents.We also had an amazing announcement for the Copilot Fireside Chat that you can hear at the end! Or get a sneak peak on the Fireside Chat site.Key takeaways:The importance of responsible AI practices is paramount.Data management and compliance are critical in the AI landscape.Socioeconomic impacts of AI technology must be considered.Education and critical thinking are essential for future generations.Creativity should not be overshadowed by AI advancements.AI-generated content can lead to a decline in quality and creativity.Legal accountability for AI deployment is necessary.Individuals must advocate for ethical AI practices.The EU AI Act sets important standards for AI accountability.Community engagement is vital for responsible AI development. Transparency is crucial in AI deployment.Shared responsibility involves vendors, deployers, and users.Accountability must be established at all levels.Data quality directly impacts AI outcomes.Cultural shifts are necessary for effective AI adoption.Governance in AI is more important than ever.Organizations should focus on training rather than cutting jobs.AI implementation requires careful planning and testing.Responsible AI practices must be prioritized.The future of AI agents needs robust governance frameworks.

Send us a textIn this episode of Copilot Connection, Kevin goes solo and dives deep into the world of Microsoft Copilot, exploring the intricacies of prompt engineering and the practical applications of prompts in enhancing productivity. He discusses various techniques for effective prompting, the significance of community contributions, and how to utilize the Copilot prompt gallery to streamline workflows. The conversation emphasizes the evolving nature of AI and the need for users to adapt and refine their approaches to maximize the benefits of generative AI tools.TakeawaysPrompt engineering is best for effective AI interaction but not essential.Understanding agentic threats is essential for security and OWASP can help.Community resources can enhance learning and application.Utilizing the Copilot prompt gallery can streamline workflows.Advanced prompting techniques can lead to better outcomes.Regularly revisiting and refining prompts is beneficial.AI can assist in complex problem-solving scenarios.Diversity of thought is important in AI applications.Practical applications of prompts can save time and effort.Engagement with the community fosters knowledge sharing.Useful linksNews:OWASP agentic threats https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jsotiropoulos_aisecurity-agenticai-owasp-activity-7297385436925095937-vQmgBeginner guide for agents https://www.linkedin.com/posts/donasarkar_happy-valentines-day-friends-as-a-activity-7296237085194084352-db7oNew AI models include a gaming model https://www.geekwire.com/2025/microsoft-reveals-new-gaming-focused-generative-ai-model-muse-that-could-revive-classic-games/Fabian Williams bring us some agentic magic with CAPs https://www.linkedin.com/posts/fabiangwilliams_autonomous-multi-agent-group-chat-working-activity-7297051837969358848-R4zGPrompts:Crafting effective prompts https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/getting-the-most-from-the-copilot-prompt-gallery/4383106Prompt Engineering Guide | Prompt Engineering GuideBest practices for prompt engineering with the OpenAI API | OpenAI Help Center Stefan Bisser’s tool to write prompts https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stephan-bisser_agent-instructor-visual-studio-marketplace-activity-7298292501763780610-OAYWPrompts of the week pnp/copilot-prompts: Examples of p

Send us a textIn this episode of Copilot Connection, Zoe and Kevin discuss the latest roadmap items for Microsoft 365 Copilot, highlighting Teams, Microsoft 365 apps, Extensibility, SharePoint, Admin and Purview. Hear about the latest batches coming in February and March and what it could mean to you.TakeawaysRoadmap updates indicate a significant increase in available tools and capabilities.Teams updates focus on enhancing collaborative productivity.Accessibility features are being prioritized in new updates.The ability to analyze on-screen content will improve meeting experiences.Voice recognition technology will enhance transcription accuracy.Upcoming updates will roll out in batches, indicating a fast-paced development cycle.Developers will soon have tools to create custom agents for Copilot.Extensibility is becoming more tangible and accessible for organizations.The integration of AI into business processes is crucial for future productivity.The new SharePoint features allow for better content discoverability management.Viva Connections cards will enhance Copilot functionality.Usage reports for integrated apps will provide valuable insights.Microsoft Purview is improving security management capabilities.Data Loss Prevention will restrict Copilot processing on sensitive content.Identifying risky AI usage is crucial for security.Real-life use cases of AI agents are emerging.Upcoming events will provide more insights into AI advancements.The conversation around AI is evolving rapidly.Engagement with the community is essential for knowledge sharing.Key linksRoadmap - TeamsRoadmap - M365 AppsRoadmap - ExtensibilityRoadmap - SharePoint and AdminRoadmap - Purview

Send us a textIn this episode of Copilot Connection, hosts Zoe Wilson and Kevin McDonnell discuss the evolution of Microsoft's Copilot ecosystem, including the recent announcement of Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat. They explore the implications of AI agents in business, insights from the Microsoft Research Future of Work report, and the importance of democratizing access to AI technologies. Finally, we talk about our exciting guest for the next Copilot Fireside Chat and her new team.TakeawaysPowered by Riverside AIThe Copilot ecosystem has evolved significantly over the past 18 months.Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat aims to provide a unified experience for users.AI agents can democratize access to technology for frontline workers.Organizations need to balance AI adoption with sustainability concerns.The Future of Work report highlights the importance of readiness in organizations.Multi-agent systems have great potential but require further research.User experience design is crucial for effective AI integration.Real-world examples are needed to demonstrate the value of AI agents.The conversation around AI should focus on responsible and sustainable use.Engagement with the community is essential for successful AI adoption.Mentioned linksCopilot ChatM365 hero blog: https://aka.ms/copilotchatCopilot Studio blog (includes pricing info): http://aka.ms/mcscopilotchatDaniel Rohregger's post of different costs https://www.linkedin.com/posts/drohregger_what-does-the-new-payg-for-agents-in-copilot-activity-7285909965200904192-Djls?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktopFuture of Work report - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/publication/microsoft-new-future-of-work-report-2024Debates with SaleforceFull GenAI panic at Salesforce? | LinkedInClippy 2.0 is better than Agentforce 2.0?Dona's call to action - Post | Feed | LinkedInSign up for Copilot Fireside Chat - Copilot Fireside Chat

Send us a textIn this episode, Zoe and Kevin discuss their thoughts on the biggest topics of the year in Copilot and what that means for next year before Kevin goes solo to talk about the importance of building a comprehensive AI strategy centered around Microsoft Copilot. They explore the evolution of AI tools, the need for alignment with organizational goals, and the significance of understanding agents and their capabilities. The conversation also delves into measuring success and ROI in AI implementation, the future of AI tools, governance and compliance, and the role of generative AI in business processes. They emphasize the need for a Center of Excellence to support AI initiatives and prepare for the future of work.TakeawaysBuilding an AI strategy is essential for effective implementation.Alignment with organizational goals reduces risk and enhances productivity.Understanding the capabilities of AI agents is crucial for their effective use.Measuring success in AI implementation goes beyond ROI; consider overall impact.Democratization of AI tools will make them accessible to more users.Governance and compliance are critical in the responsible use of AI.Generative AI can enhance business processes but should be used judiciously.The hype cycle illustrates the fluctuating expectations of AI tools.Preparing for the future of work involves understanding AI's evolving role.A Center of Excellence can facilitate the successful adoption of AI.Key linksFuture of work report 2024GitHub Copilot free tierSimon Owen talking of CoE and C4E in his blog

Send us a textWith Zoe stuffed full of deep pan pizza and Kevin trying to recover from the remote FOMO, we discuss the key takeaways from Microsoft Ignite 2024  focusing on the latest Copilot updates, the role of agents, integration and alignment at Microsoft, security updates, and more. We explore the significance of the Prompt Gallery and the evolution of Copilot Studio, emphasising the importance of collaboration and automation in modern workplaces.Key Takeaways:Security has become a major focus for Microsoft.The Ignite conference had a significant turnout with over 20,000 attendees.Agents are a popular topic, with many mentions during the conference.Integration between Microsoft products is improving, making workflows smoother.The Copilot Prompt Gallery allows for better user engagement and prompt sharing.The evolution of Copilot Studio is enabling deeper connection between low code and code first.There are new features that enhance governance capabilities.The keynote atmosphere was noted to be less energetic compared to previous years.Key linksMicrosoft Ignite 2024 Book of NewsAgents - From no code (Introducing Microsoft Copilot actions, new agents, and tools to empower IT) to low code to code first - Azure AI Agent Service: Revolutionizing AI Agent Development and Deployment Document tuning - Copilot Studio is enhancing its platform with knowledge improvements, Azure AI integration, and moreAlignment within MS is allowing AI Adoption at scaleRedefine development: AI-first innovation with agents and Microsoft Copilot in Power PlatformAzure AI Agent Service: Revolutionizing AI Agent Development and DeploymentThe next wave of Azure innovation: Azure AI Foundry, intelligent data, and morePurview DLP Accelerate AI adoption with next-gen security and governance capabilities Windows Copilot Runtime for devs https://aka.ms/AAti5u5Microsoft Places Introducing the AI-Powered Workplace: Technology solutions for flexible workCopilot Lab = Copilot Prompt Gallery https://aka.ms/AAthyfgCopilot Analytics aligned - Copilot Control System https://aka.ms/AAti5rhSAM included in license Introdu

Send us a textIn this episode of Copilot Connection, hosts Zoe and Kevin discuss the latest developments in the Copilot space, share insights from recent events like Scottish Summit and anticipate upcoming announcements from Ignite. They explore the significance of agents in the AI landscape, the challenges of governance, and the evolution of AI models. Hopefully, they managed to dodge any NDA content this close to Ignite...TakeawaysExcitement builds ahead of the Ignite conference.Bluesky offers a refreshing social media experience.The Copilot Fireside Chat will provide live insights post-Ignite.Anticipation for new agent announcements is high.Governance is a critical consideration for AI agents.New AI models are being tailored for specific industries.Understanding the hype cycle is essential for AI adoption.Strategic implementation is key to realizing AI's potential.(Auto generated by Riverside.FM)Useful links:We’re on Bluesky! Copilot Connection Scottish Summit 2024 Closing Keynote With Dona SarkarBuilding a Centre For Enablement for your Copilot Strategy - Kevin & SimonCopilot Fireside ChatAGENTSEarth copilotMicrosoft Viva community call (November 2024): New Employee Experience Announcements at Ignite 2024 | Microsoft Community HubDescription of agents https://www.linkedin.com/posts/abramj_the-agentic-scope-of-work-ugcPost-7259233983639519234-0Rbh?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_iosADAPTED MODELSAdapted AI models  Is Microsoft building their own model?COPILOT UPDATES Web page summary is backMulti tenant orgs  Reflecting on a year of copilotGartner Hype Cycle

Send us a textIn this episode of the Copilot Connection, hosts Zoe Wilson  and Kevin McDonnell discuss the latest updates in the Microsoft Copilot ecosystem, including a new feature called Copilot Labs (not Lab...), insights from the upcoming Microsoft Ignite conference, and the importance of AI integration in business. They also touch on the significance of empowering neurodivergent employees and the community's engagement in upcoming events. They also have a new AI generated summary - what do you think?LinksIntroducing Copilot VisionMeet the new CopilotIgnite sessionsSession catalog at https://ignite.microsoft.com where you can search for codes.Build and extend agents with Microsoft Copilot studio  | LAB433Code-first development workshop for Copilot agents  | LAB441Extending M365 Copilot with Copilot agents: Best practices  | BRK170Part 1:2 Declarative Agents: Build Agents for Microsoft 365 Copilot  | LAB445Reinventing business processes with autonomous agents  | BRK169Smarter workflows with ServiceNow Now Assist and Copilot integration  | ODFP974 Ground Microsoft 365 Copilot in your business knowledge  | BRK275Microsoft 365 Copilot advantages: How does it compare with other AI solutions  | BRK276SharePoint content management reimagined with Copilot  | BRK279 Unlock smart collaboration with Microsoft Teams  | BRK280   Revolutionizing Employee Experience with AI  | BRK283  The Future of Power Platform: Intelligent Apps  | BRK171 From Copilot to code-first: the power of Microsoft Fabric and AI  | THR618Bring on-device ML to enterprise apps with Windows Copilot Library  | BRK303Copilot+ PCs: Your new superpower  | THR650Mastering custom plugins in Microsoft Security Copilot  | THR653 Build real-time collab experiences with Fluid and Copilot  | LAB440 Empowering neurodivergent employees with Copilot  | BRK297