“Prepare for Meetings Quickly with Microsoft Outlook’s Innovative AI-Enhanced Copilot Feature”


We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!

Microsoft Outlook’s Latest AI Development: Meeting Preparation with Copilot

Microsoft is continually advancing its Copilot AI by adding new features aimed at boosting productivity. This coming December, Outlook will undergo a notable enhancement with the launch of the ‘Meeting Prep’ feature, designed to assist busy professionals in efficiently preparing for meetings. Driven by AI, this innovative tool will help users create summaries, retrieve pertinent documents, and much more, allowing you to be meeting-ready with minimal hassle.

Quick Overview

  • The new ‘Meeting Prep’ feature for Microsoft Outlook is expected to launch in December 2024.
  • Copilot AI will support users in meeting preparations by summarising essential points, locating documents, and organizing action items.
  • Features will include a “Prepare” button, AI-generated agenda summaries, and easy retrieval of necessary files.
  • Meeting Prep is tailored to save time and alleviate stress for busy professionals.
  • This feature will be accessible to users with a Copilot license on both the web interface and the latest versions of Outlook.

What is the ‘Meeting Prep’ Function?

In December 2024, Microsoft is set to unveil the ‘Meeting Prep’ function to Outlook users, enabling faster and more effective meeting readiness. Whether you are shifting between consecutive meetings or need a quick refresh before a Teams call or an in-person gathering, this AI-driven tool promises to be transformative.

With a simple press of the new “Prepare” button, Copilot will swiftly furnish users with a summarised agenda, essential files, and a recap of previous discussions, all crucial for ensuring you are thoroughly prepared.

Prepare for Meetings Quickly with Microsoft Outlook's Innovative AI-Enhanced Copilot Feature

How Copilot Revolutionizes Your Meeting Readiness

The ‘Meeting Prep’ feature harnesses AI to streamline the pre-meeting process, freeing users from laboriously sifting through emails, documents, and notes. Here’s how it operates:

1. Quick “Prepare” Button

The new “Prepare” button will be clearly visible in your Outlook inbox. With a single click, Copilot activates, collecting all the vital information required for your upcoming meeting.

2. AI-Created Agenda Summaries

Copilot employs AI to analyze your emails and documents, crafting a succinct meeting agenda. This enables you to quickly understand key topics and objectives without rummaging through previous communications.

3. Important Files at Your Fingertips

No more wasting time searching for crucial files. Copilot pinpoint the relevant documents you need for the meeting and presents them, ensuring all necessary resources are easily accessible.

Practical Example

Imagine preparing for a meeting with a potential client. Instead of wasting precious time locating their proposal or recalling past email details, Copilot handles it efficiently. It creates a well-organized agenda and compiles relevant documents, allowing you to enter the meeting poised, assured, and ready to seal the deal.

Who Stands to Gain From This Feature?

This new feature in Outlook primarily targets busy professionals who frequently manage multiple meetings throughout the day. By automating the meeting preparation phase, ‘Meeting Prep’ enables users to regain valuable time and mitigates the stress of last-minute organization.

Moreover, access to the feature will be limited to users with a Microsoft Copilot license, making it a distinctive tool for advanced users already entrenched in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Launching in December 2024

The ‘Meeting Prep’ feature is anticipated to become available in December 2024. It will function on both the web version of Outlook and the new platform experience, though users of legacy Outlook may need to upgrade to utilize this capability.

Watch for Further Updates

As the launch date approaches, more details will come forth regarding the full capabilities of the Meeting Prep feature. Stay tuned for Microsoft updates, and check TechBest for the latest information on AI-driven productivity tools.

Conclusion

Microsoft’s impending ‘Meeting Prep’ feature, powered by Copilot AI, is poised to transform the way Outlook users gear up for meetings. By summarising agendas, retrieving relevant documents, and managing action items, this feature seeks to optimize time saving and alleviate stress for professionals. Set for release in December 2024, this tool will be essential for anyone who relies on Outlook in their daily meeting routines.

Questions & Answers

Q: When will the ‘Meeting Prep’ feature be launched?

A: The feature is expected to roll out in December 2024.

Q: Who is eligible to use the ‘Meeting Prep’ feature?

A: The feature will be accessible to Microsoft Outlook users with a Copilot license, functioning on both the web and the new version of Outlook.

Q: What functionality does the ‘Prepare’ button offer?

A: The ‘Prepare’ button prompts Copilot to generate a meeting agenda, summarize key points, and retrieve relevant documents directly from your inbox.

Q: How does Copilot create meeting summaries?

A: Copilot utilizes AI to assess your emails and associated documents, autonomously generating a succinct agenda and highlighting key discussion topics for upcoming meetings.

Q: Is ‘Meeting Prep’ compatible with the previous version of Outlook?

A: No, the ‘Meeting Prep’ feature will only be supported on the web version of Outlook and the updated Outlook experience. Users of legacy Outlook will need to upgrade to gain access.

Q: Will Copilot manage attachments and documents?

A: Yes, Copilot will autonomously identify and summarise relevant files and documents, ensuring that you have all necessary information readily available for the meeting.

Q: In what ways does ‘Meeting Prep’ alleviate pre-meeting anxiety?

A: By automating the collection of meeting agendas, documents, and action items, ‘Meeting Prep’ saves time and guarantees you are well-prepared without the chaotic last-minute rush.

Posted by Nicholas Webb

Nicholas Webb is a Queensland-based Consumer Technology Editor at Techbest focused on connected home and streaming products.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *