The Copilot Connection

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How 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.

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In 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.

Takeaways

• Prompt 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 links

News:

OWASP agentic threats https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jsotiropoulos_aisecurity-agenticai-owasp-activity-7297385436925095937-vQmg

Beginner guide for agents https://www.linkedin.com/posts/donasarkar_happy-valentines-day-friends-as-a-activity-7296237085194084352-db7o

New 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-R4zG

Prompts:

Crafting effective prompts https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/getting-the-most-from-the-copilot-prompt-gallery/4383106

Prompt Engineering Guide | Prompt Engineering Guide

Best 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-OAYW

Prompts of the week pnp/copilot-prompts: Examples of p

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In 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.

Takeaways

• Roadmap 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 links

Roadmap - Teams

Roadmap - M365 Apps

Roadmap - Extensibility

Roadmap - SharePoint and Admin
Roadmap - Purview

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In 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.

Takeaways

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• The 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 links

Copilot Chat

• M365 hero blog: https://aka.ms/copilotchat
• Copilot Studio blog (includes pricing info): http://aka.ms/mcscopilotchat

Daniel 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_desktop

Future of Work report - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/publication/microsoft-new-future-of-work-report-2024

Debates with Saleforce
Full GenAI panic at Salesforce? | LinkedIn

Clippy 2.0 is better than Agentforce 2.0?

Dona's call to action - Post | Feed | LinkedIn

Sign up for Copilot Fireside Chat - Copilot Fireside Chat

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In 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.

Takeaways

• Building 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 links

• Future of work report 2024
• GitHub Copilot free tier
• Simon Owen talking of CoE and C4E in his blog

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With 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 links

• Microsoft Ignite 2024 Book of News
• Agents - 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 more
• Alignment within MS is allowing AI Adoption at scale
  • Redefine development: AI-first innovation with agents and Microsoft Copilot in Power Platform
• Azure AI Agent Service: Revolutionizing AI Agent Development and Deployment
• The next wave of Azure innovation: Azure AI Foundry, intelligent data, and more
• Purview DLP Accelerate AI adoption with next-gen security and governance capabilities
•  Windows Copilot Runtime for devs https://aka.ms/AAti5u5
• Microsoft Places Introducing the AI-Powered Workplace: Technology solutions for flexible work
• Copilot Lab = Copilot Prompt Gallery https://aka.ms/AAthyfg
• Copilot Analytics aligned - Copilot Control System https://aka.ms/AAti5rh
• SAM included in license Introdu

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In 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...

Takeaways

• Excitement 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.

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Useful links:

We’re on Bluesky! Copilot Connection 

Scottish Summit 2024 Closing Keynote With Dona Sarkar

Building a Centre For Enablement for your Copilot Strategy - Kevin & Simon

Copilot Fireside Chat

AGENTS

Earth copilot

Microsoft Viva community call (November 2024): New Employee Experience Announcements at Ignite 2024 | Microsoft Community Hub

Description of agents https://www.linkedin.com/posts/abramj_the-agentic-scope-of-work-ugcPost-7259233983639519234-0Rbh?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

ADAPTED MODELS

Adapted AI models 

 Is Microsoft building their own model?

COPILOT UPDATES

Web page summary is back

Multi tenant orgs 

Reflecting on a year of copilot

Gartner Hype Cycle

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In 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?

Links

• Introducing Copilot Vision
• Meet the new Copilot

Ignite sessions
Session catalog at https://ignite.microsoft.com where you can search for codes.

Build and extend agents with Microsoft Copilot studio  | LAB433
Code-first development workshop for Copilot agents  | LAB441
Extending M365 Copilot with Copilot agents: Best practices  | BRK170
Part 1:2 Declarative Agents: Build Agents for Microsoft 365 Copilot  | LAB445
Reinventing business processes with autonomous agents  | BRK169
Smarter workflows with ServiceNow Now Assist and Copilot integration  | ODFP974
 
Ground Microsoft 365 Copilot in your business knowledge  | BRK275
Microsoft 365 Copilot advantages: How does it compare with other AI solutions  | BRK276
SharePoint 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  | THR618
Bring on-device ML to enterprise apps with Windows Copilot Library  | BRK303
Copilot+ PCs: Your new superpower  | THR650
Mastering custom plugins in Microsoft Security Copilot  | THR653
 Build real-time collab experiences with Fluid and Copilot  | LAB440
 Empowering neurodivergent employees with Copilot  | BRK297

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It's our birthday today! We've managed to pull together some fantastic guests including Loryan Strant, Caroline Kallin and Tom Morgan to help us celebrate by sharing their thoughts on Copilot Wave 2 so hear what we thought and then a few interviews that we have been able to do.

Great summary post from Sara Fennah on all the useful links for Copilot Wave 2 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sarafennah_did-the-deluge-of-announcements-in-the-wave-activity-7241481645957029888-gyfa?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

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As the days in the UK get shorter, the grass looks brown and tired and the kids looked bored and ready for school, it's time to recap some of the news that has crept out while many were distracted with holidays. There's certainly been a few things coming through as momentum builds towards the second conference season of year. Zoe and Kevin cover some worrying news on hacking Copilot, some positive news on accessing models and some great events coming up.

Related links:

• Nominate your favourite community folks at the UK Technology Community Awards - https://www.ukcommunityawards.co.uk/
• Sign up for Scottish Summit and plan in for the Connecting the Copilots panel with Chris Huntingford, Dona Sarkar, Jose Lazaro Pinos , Sara Fennah and us - https://www.scottishsummit.com
• Zoe is co-hosting a webinar for Syskit with Luke Evans on Copilot for M365 after one year https://www.syskit.com/company/events/copilot-for-microsoft-365-after-one-year/
• New speaker workshop with Sara Fennah, Luke Evans and us - http://www.communitydays.org/event/2024-09-06/microsoft-community-new-speakers-day  - if you're in the UK and doing interesting things with Copilot that you'd like to share 
• Check out the brand new Copilot for M365 MVPs! - Search | MVP Communities (microsoft.com)
• Hacking Copilot
  • Microsoft’s AI Copilot can be weaponized as an ‘automated phishing machine,’ but the problem is bigger than one company | Fortune
  • https://www.perspectives.plus/p/copilot-bigger-security-threat-than-chatgpt
  • https://labs.zenity.io
• Models in Github - Introducing GitHub Models: A new generation of AI engineers building on GitHub - The GitHub Blog
• What’s new in Copilot | July 2024 - Microsoft Community Hub
• OneNote in Copilot supports Inked Notes - https://insider.microsoft365.com/blog/onenote-copilot-now-supports-inked-notes?ocid=usoc_TWITTER_M365_spl100006091250593
• Updates to Microsoft Copilot to bring enterprise data protection to more organizations - Microsoft Community Hub