Microsoft is upgrading Copilot with two new AI tools: Researcher and Analyst. These tools help professionals conduct deep research and analyze data more efficiently. They are built on OpenAI’s latest models, and will help businesses conduct intense research.
What Makes These AI Tools Stand Out?
Many AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok, offer research features. But Microsoft’s tools go further. They connect directly to business data and external sources, making them more useful for professional tasks.
Researcher: AI Strategy & Insights
Researcher combines OpenAI’s deep research model with advanced search and orchestration. Here’s what it can do:
- Create Go-to-Market Strategies: It analyzes industry trends and suggests launch plans.
- Generate Quarterly Reports: It gathers and summarizes data from internal and external sources.
- Integrate with Business Tools: It pulls information from Confluence, ServiceNow, and Salesforce.
Analyst: Smarter Data Analysis With AI
While Researcher focuses on strategy, Analyst specializes in data analysis. It runs on OpenAI’s o3-mini reasoning model, solving problems in steps. Here’s how it helps:
- Refines Answers in Real Time: It improves responses with each step.
- Supports Python for Complex Calculations: It runs Python scripts to process data.
- Provides Transparent Workflows: Users can see exactly how it reaches conclusions.
How Does Microsoft Compare to the Competition?
Microsoft’s AI tools offer a key advantage over other deep research chatbots.
| Feature | Microsoft Researcher & Analyst | ChatGPT Deep Research | Google Gemini | xAI’s Grok |
| Work Data Access | Yes | No | No | No |
| Third-Party Integrations | Yes | No | No | No |
| Python Support | Yes (Analyst) | No | No | No |
| Reasoning AI Model | o3-mini | GPT-4 | Gemini | Grok-1 |
Also read: OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Deep Research
Can AI Research Be Trusted?
AI tools aren’t perfect. Even advanced models make mistakes. Microsoft acknowledges this and highlights potential risks:
- Incorrect Sources – AI may misattribute information.
- Flawed Analysis – It might misinterpret complex data.
- Unreliable Information – AI can pull from low-quality websites.
To improve accuracy, Microsoft promises ongoing updates and refinements.
Who Can Access These New AI Tools?
Microsoft is launching Frontier, an early-access program for Microsoft 365 Copilot users. Frontier members will:
- Receive New AI Features First
- Provide Feedback on AI Performance
- Gain Exclusive Access to Experimental AI Tools
Researcher and Analyst roll out to Frontier users in April, with a broader launch expected later this year.
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