Microsoft 365 Copilot Introduces a Beloved New AI Researcher
Exploring Microsoft’s Researcher Agent in Microsoft 365 Copilot
Microsoft is not leading the way in advanced research tools, but it is now stepping up with its Researcher agent. This feature is part of the Microsoft 365 Copilot platform, which operates on web, mobile, and desktop applications. Unlike competitors like Google Gemini, Perplexity, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which are branded under Deep Research, Microsoft has chosen to name its offering as the Researcher agent.
What is the Researcher Agent?
The Researcher agent is designed to assist users in creating well-researched documents on various topics or detailed action plans. Its main function is to carry out complex research on behalf of the user, saving a significant amount of time that would typically be spent by humans gathering information.
It’s important to note that Microsoft 365 Copilot represents a rebranding of the previous Microsoft 365 (formerly Office) app. This should not be confused with the standalone Copilot app, which serves as a general-purpose AI chatbot.
How the Researcher Agent Works
Technology Behind the Tool
At its core, the Researcher agent utilizes OpenAI’s Deep Research model. However, its application in Microsoft 365 Copilot is much more integrated compared to other available options. A standout feature of this tool is its ability to analyze not only online resources but also a company’s internal documents, including:
- Emails
- Internal chats
- Meeting logs
- Calendars
- Transcripts
- Shared documents
This flexibility allows the Researcher agent to pull information from both internal and external resources, creating a comprehensive research output tailored to the user’s needs.
Customizable Data Sources
Microsoft allows users to customize the sources from which the Researcher agent draws information. Users can configure it to utilize a variety of data types, such as:
- Web content
- Local files
- Meeting recordings
- Emails and chats
- External APIs like Salesforce
This customization enables individuals and businesses to refine the research process based on their specific requirements.
Why the Researcher Agent Stands Out
Innovative Features
The Researcher agent is designed not only to streamline research but also to produce intricate plans that incorporate both publicly available data and proprietary company information. For businesses, this feature can significantly reduce the workload for employees tasked with compiling research materials.
Microsoft emphasizes that the Researcher agent utilizes an enterprise knowledge graph that connects user and organizational context. This context includes relevant details about:
- People
- Projects
- Products
- The unique relationships between these entities
Such integration allows for a more contextual understanding of the task at hand, enhancing the relevance and accuracy of the gathered information.
Proven Time Savings
Preliminary testing of the Researcher agent has shown impressive results, with some users reporting a savings of 6-8 hours per week on research activities. These time efficiencies are particularly beneficial for teams that engage in regular project planning or research-based activities.
Availability of the Researcher Agent
The Researcher agent is expected to roll out to Microsoft 365 Copilot customers starting in April. It will be introduced through a new Frontier program, which aims to provide early access to new Copilot tools. This rollout is similar to the Insider Preview program used for beta testing Windows operating systems.
In summary, Microsoft’s Researcher agent represents a significant advancement in research capabilities within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. By combining external web resources with internal data, it not only facilitates detailed research but also streamlines the entire process, ultimately benefiting users and organizations.
