Weekly Round Up | Microsoft’s Copilot, Slack’s AI Agents, and OpenAI’s New Model

This week, explore Microsoft’s latest AI tools in 365, see how Slack is boosting teamwork with AI agents, and learn about OpenAI’s new model designed to solve tough problems.

Adam here! This week, we’re diving into some big updates that could reshape how you and your team work with AI. Microsoft 365 introduces new Copilot features designed to help teams collaborate more effectively and get more done in less time. Meanwhile, Slack is bringing AI-powered agents and enhanced CRM integration directly into your workspace, making teamwork smoother and more productive. And OpenAI’s new reasoning model, o1, is setting a new bar for tackling complex problems in coding, science, and more—let’s jump in!

🖥️ Microsoft 365 Copilot Tools to Boost Your Team’s Workflow

Image: Microsoft Blog

Microsoft 365 is stepping up its AI game with new Copilot features that can help you and your team work smarter, not harder. Here’s a quick look at what’s coming:

  • Copilot Pages: A new, interactive space where you can brainstorm, create, and refine content alongside AI, all in one place. Perfect for team projects and getting ideas flowing.

  • Python in Excel: No coding skills? No problem! This new feature makes it easier to run advanced data analysis using simple, natural language, helping marketers make data-driven decisions faster.

  • Updates for Teams, Outlook, and Word: Whether it’s summarising meeting notes, organising your inbox, or drafting documents, Copilot’s latest features are all about saving time and cutting through the noise.

  • Copilot Agents: Think of them as your digital helpers, automating repetitive tasks so you can focus on what really matters.

These new tools are rolling out this month—keep an eye on your Microsoft 365 apps to start using them!

🧑‍💻 Slack's New AI-Powered Work System: A Game Changer for Team Productivity

Image: Salesforce News & Insights

Slack is rolling out a series of exciting updates that make teamwork smarter and more intuitive with AI-powered features and better CRM integration. Here’s what’s new:

  • Agentforce in Slack: Think of these AI agents as your new digital teammates—helping you manage tasks, analyse data, and even draft emails, all from within Slack.

  • Third-Party AI Integration: Bring in specialised AI from Adobe, Anthropic, and others to enhance creativity, data analysis, and more without leaving your workspace.

  • Salesforce Channels: Directly connect Salesforce CRM data with Slack conversations, keeping everyone aligned and moving work forward without switching apps.

  • AI-Enhanced Slack Tools: From smarter search to automated workflows, new AI features are designed to save time and keep your team focused on what matters most.

These features aim to cut through the noise and let your team collaborate more effectively—making Slack not just a messaging tool, but a comprehensive work hub.

🧠 OpenAI’s New Reasoning Model: A Smarter Way to Tackle Tough Problems

Image: Open AI

OpenAI has launched a new series of AI models, called o1, designed to "think" more deeply and solve tougher problems than previous versions. The o1-preview is available now and shines in complex tasks like coding, science, and maths. Here’s what makes it different:

  • Better at Reasoning: This model spends more time processing questions and finding solutions, much like how a human would tackle a tough problem.

  • Impressive Results: In tests, the o1-preview performed significantly better than previous models on challenging tasks, such as solving high-level maths problems or debugging code.

  • Safety First: The new model also brings improved safety features, better adhering to guidelines and resisting attempts to bypass rules.

For those working in fields that require advanced problem-solving—think healthcare research, quantum physics, or multi-step coding workflows—o1 could be a game-changer.

🐥 Tweets of the Week

🎬 More AI in Action this Week

Discover these AI Tools and Apps

  1. OpenAI o1-mini — A new series of reasoning models for solving hard problems.

  2. InVideo - Create videos with text prompts.

  3. Notta AI — AI Meeting Notetaker & Audio Transcription

  4. Google Illuminate — Transform your content into engaging AI‑generated audio discussions

  5. Clockwise — AI-powered scheduling that works like magic.