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Microsoft has introduced two new AI "reasoning" assistants—Researcher and Analyst—as part of the Microsoft 365 Copilot suite. Starting in June 2025, these tools will be available to all Microsoft 365 Copilot users, making it easier for you to work effectively by providing expert-level research and data analysis.
Introducing Copilot’s Researcher and Analyst AI Agents
Microsoft 365 Copilot is more than just a chatbot; Researcher and Analyst deliver advanced reasoning capabilities right at your fingertips. Simply formulate the right question, and these AI tools will assist you.
Researcher leverages OpenAI’s advanced research language model paired with Microsoft’s technology, enabling it to tackle complex research tasks efficiently. It can swiftly extract, summarize, and organize relevant information, saving you hours of sifting through documents. For example, Researcher can pull insights from various third-party sources like Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Confluence, helping businesses compile a comprehensive view of their industry while identifying trends and opportunities.
Meanwhile, Analyst focuses on data, transforming raw numbers into actionable insights within the Microsoft ecosystem. Utilizing Python scripting and systematic reasoning, Analyst can help you discern patterns, perform calculations, and generate summaries or charts. This tool can significantly reduce the time and errors typically involved in managing intricate spreadsheets. For instance, you could take raw figures and develop a demand forecast for a new product.
Check out Microsoft’s blog for more examples showcasing the capabilities of Researcher and Analyst.
Enhanced AI Capabilities
Powered by OpenAI’s o3-mini reasoning model, Researcher and Analyst are now available to all users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. You can easily access these features within the Microsoft 365 Copilot app or via Copilot Chat, allowing for up to 25 combined queries each month. Researcher supports 37 languages, while Analyst is offered in 8 languages, with plans to expand soon.
However, keep in mind that these new AI agents come at a cost. A Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription is priced at $30 per month.
The Future of Agentic AI in the Workplace
The introduction of these AI reasoning agents is set to transform how you interact with Microsoft 365 applications. Instead of relying on manual research or spending excessive time on data, you now have intelligent assistance that works alongside you. This change not only minimizes repetitive tasks but also allows you to prioritize decision-making and value creation.
These tools can be indispensable for professionals involved in data analysis or research, as they deliver expert-level support without requiring advanced knowledge in AI, programming, or statistics. By making these features accessible to all paying users, Microsoft aims to democratize powerful AI tools for every role and industry.
From my perspective, AI that can comprehend context and navigate complex problems represents a significant advancement beyond simple automation. While traditional AI may feel like enlisting a capable intern for routine tasks, agentic AI acts like a specialized expert ready to assist exactly when needed.
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our workflows, Researcher and Analyst empower Microsoft 365 users to enhance their reasoning skills and save businesses time and resources. However, it’s worth considering that while these tools improve efficiency, they might also pose a risk to the very workers they aim to support.
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