AI has a physical product element now, as Microsoft has announced two new Surface devices, the Surface Pro 10 for Business and Surface Laptop 6 for Business, aimed at increasing Copilot adoption in the enterprise. These devices come equipped with Intel’s newest Core Ultra processors and include a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to boost AI-driven functionalities. They also include the new CoPilot key. The Surface Pro 10 retains the form factor of the previous generation, while the Surface Laptop 6 offers increased web camera quality and the option of a smart card reader. These devices are part of Microsoft’s “New Era of Work” strategy, which focuses on leveraging AI to enhance productivity and optimize workflows.
Microsoft is bringing Designer and Copilot Pro capabilities to the Microsoft 365 mobile app on Android and iPhone. The app will offer a refreshed UI experience with enhanced functionality, including image creation service and Copilot features. Designer capabilities will be available in preview by the end of April, while Copilot Pro functionality is coming soon.
Microsoft is enhancing the AI-powered Copilot in Microsoft Teams with new features for meeting chats, summaries, and message composition. Copilot will combine spoken transcripts and written chats, allowing users to catch up on missed meetings. It will also provide options to rewrite messages and generate new messages based on chat context. Additionally, intelligent call recap for traditional Teams calls will be available next quarter, automatically taking notes during calls. Microsoft is also introducing hybrid meeting features, including automatic camera switching and speaker recognition. New carriers will support the Teams Phone Mobile feature later this year.
It’s not only Microsoft. Zoom has introduced Zoom Workplace, an AI-powered collaboration platform, along with new AI Companion expansions to enhance teamwork. The platform includes features such as Ask AI Companion, AI Companion for Zoom Phone, and extended capabilities for Team Chat and Whiteboard. Zoom Workplace aims to improve productivity, efficiency, and the overall workday. Additionally, Zoom has announced customer experience enhancements to Zoom Contact Center, providing real-time AI-powered insights to strengthen customer relationships. The new features and products will be rolled out over April and May.
GoTo has enhanced its portfolio with over 60 product enhancements, including the addition of Generative AI capabilities. The upgrades include new AI assistants, real-time translation tools, enterprise application integrations, and other enhancements for both business communication and IT support and management. The AI innovations include AI Screen Translation, AI optimization for Contact Center, and improved Admin CoPilot. GoTo has also released new features such as Attendant Console, CRM integrations, and enhanced integrations with Microsoft Teams.
Why do we care?
Microsoft is all in on AI – there will clearly be a partner upside. Wait long enough, and all your products will have AI within them. That should be pretty evident in the investments.
