Microsoft Ignite 2024 has begun. This is the annual event in which the company reveals the most important updates to its ecosystem. The call will focus on new proposals around artificial intelligence (AI). The summit will take place from November 19 to 21.
Frank X. Shaw, director of communications for the firm, assures that almost 70% of the companies considered on the list Fortune 500 They use Microsoft 365 Copilot. “The industry is moving incredibly fast and evolving at an unprecedented pace. Hundreds of thousands of customers are using Microsoft AI technology and seeing great benefits. They prepare their capabilities to capitalize on the next great wave of innovations,” he points out.
The executive has announced that during this edition of Microsoft Ignite, nearly 80 new products, solutions and functions will be presented. Among the launches announced so far, some stand out that prioritize automation, productivity and security.
Teams gains a real-time interpreter
The video calling platform is incorporating a feature that will allow users to speak during meetings and listen to interventions in the language of their choice. The tool uses an AI-powered voice-to-speech translation system that simulates participants’ voices in real time. It will be available in preview early next year and will have support for nine languages initially. Later it will be compatible with up to 31 languages.
The Redmond, Washington-based organization indicates that Teams will also be able to analyze and summarize the visual content shared in a call from the web oo through programs such as PowerPoint. The characteristic will be based on the suite Copilot and will eliminate the need to open files to obtain a summary. Those interested will be able to access a preliminary version in 2025.
A mini PC to run Windows in the cloud
Microsoft has anticipated the launch of Windows 365 Link, a lightweight device that works like a PC host. It is designed to run an adapted version of the operating system through the cloud. The device allows business clients to stream and use the firm’s office platform on multiple monitors and local peripherals. None of the operations are processed locally, which adds a layer of security in information management.
The company has given few details about the technical characteristics of its new product. It has said that it will incorporate two USB-A 3.2 ports and one USB-C 3.2 on the back. It will add DisplayPort, HDMI and Ethernet connectors. It will be compatible with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connection standards. Windows 365 Link is planned to incorporate various AI features. The first version will be launched in April 2025 in select markets. It will have a starting price of $349.
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More AI in Office
The big tech announced the appeal ‘Copilot Actions’. The tool is available in beta phase and “allows anyone to automate everyday tasks with simple prompts. Users will be able to configure it to obtain a summary of the daily meetings that occur in Microsoft Teams, compile weekly reports or receive an email when returning from vacation that summarizes the information from the calls, chats and lost emails,” he explains. In addition, it indicates that various Office applications are being nourished with improvements in Microsoft 365 Copilot:
- PowerPoint: The program will be able to automatically translate all kinds of presentations into nearly 40 languages. Its function **‘Copilot Narrative Builder’ **will use default content such as branding templates, notes, transitions and animations to generate slide drafts.
- Excel: will add a Copilot-based suggestions experience. The feature will propose a set of headers, formulas and visual elements to speed up the creation of a spreadsheet.
- Outlook: The system will be able to automatically schedule individual meetings based on the availability of the participants and adjust the users’ agenda accordingly.
New AI agents
For a few months now, Microsoft has been allowing business customers to use a series of AI-based agents to streamline the tasks of certain operational divisions. These assistants are expanding their access and have begun to reach new applications such as Microsoft SharePoint, the online document management and collaboration tool. Within this program, virtual assistants have been designed to “facilitate the search for content, generate responses from these materials and optimize decision making. Users can also create custom agents to target specific files, folders, or sites.”
The internal communication tool Business Chat is incorporating a self-service assistant for employees. Workers will be able to make inquiries about company policies, their benefits and make requests to the human resources and technical support teams. The operation of the attendance algorithm can be customized to meet the specific needs of each organization.
Security initiatives
The main investor in OpenAI has also presented new features to improve the security of its systems and equipment. He announced the ‘Windows Resiliency Initiative’. The proposal considers a series of fundamental changes to the operating system that allow users to recover their devices more easily, in the event that a variation in the underlying technology bricks them.
The firm tries to prevent disasters similar to CrowdStrike. The faulty update of a software security disabled nearly 8.5 million Windows computers. The event put in check the operation of hotels, airlines, banks, hospitals and government agencies. It left losses of at least $15 billion worldwide, according to calculations by the insurer Parametrix.
A CrowdStrike update sent computers around the world into a death reboot spiral, crashing air travel, hospitals, banks, and more. Because?
Microsoft has created the program ‘Zero Day Quest’a public security research platform focused on AI and cloud services. The company is convening cybersecurity experts around the world to address vulnerabilities in its solutions in “high-impact critical scenarios.” Will offer a joint reward pool valued at 4 million dollars
“This new hacking event will be the largest of its kind. It will provide new opportunities for the community to work hand in hand with Microsoft engineers and researchers to keep all our customers safe,” says Tom Gallagher, vice president of engineering for the corporation’s Security Response Center.
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