Microsoft adds Agent Mode to Office apps

Microsoft is enhancing its Office suite with a new Agent Mode, a more capable iteration of its Copilot AI assistant. This upgrade allows the AI to actively command applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, moving beyond passive question-answering. Previously, the AI's capabilities were limited by the foundational models' power, restricting it to document analysis rather than direct action within the applications. This new mode signifies a significant step towards more integrated and proactive AI assistance within the core Microsoft Office productivity tools, aiming to boost business efficiency.