Microsoft Integrates AI Deep Research Tools into Copilot
Microsoft is upping its AI game with the introduction of powerful "deep research" tools, Researcher and Analyst, to its Microsoft 365 Copilot. These tools aim to provide users with advanced research capabilities directly within the Copilot environment.
This move follows a trend of integrating deep research agents into chatbots, seen in platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and xAI’s Grok. These agents are powered by reasoning AI models, designed to think through problems, fact-check information, and conduct in-depth research.
Researcher and Analyst: A Closer Look
Researcher leverages OpenAI’s deep research model combined with advanced orchestration and deep search capabilities. Microsoft claims Researcher can perform complex analyses, such as developing go-to-market strategies and generating quarterly reports.
Analyst, on the other hand, is built on OpenAI’s o3-mini reasoning model and is optimized for advanced data analysis. It iteratively refines its reasoning process to provide detailed answers and can use Python to tackle complex data queries, allowing users to inspect its workings.
The Microsoft Advantage: Access to Work Data
What sets Microsoft's deep research tools apart is their ability to access both web data and internal work data. Researcher can connect to third-party data sources from platforms like Confluence, ServiceNow, and Salesforce, enabling a more comprehensive research experience.
Important Note: While these tools offer exciting possibilities, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential for inaccuracies. Reasoning AI models are not perfect and may occasionally mis-cite sources or draw incorrect conclusions.
Availability through the Frontier Program
Microsoft is launching a Frontier program to give Microsoft 365 Copilot customers early access to Researcher and Analyst. Participants in the Frontier program will be able to start using these features in April.
Source: TechCrunch