Shortly after the big UI revamp, Microsoft Copilot started receiving more and more interesting features. However, this was just the beginning. In addition to the previously discovered characters feature, Microsoft is working on many other exciting additions. The overall layout is still expected to change further, introducing a sidebar for a more traditional look.
Recently, it was discovered that a new Labs icon may be added to the sidebar under “Discover,” allowing users to access experimental features. The Labs program is currently very limited and only available to Pro subscribers in the US.
Among the Labs experiments, one allows users to see "Avatars" in voice mode. Another, called “Generative Layout", remains unclear in terms of how it will function. A third experiment, recently introduced, is called “Actions.” It references internal routes tied to "Agents" and "Computer Use" features. This suggests that Copilot could get functionality similar to OpenAI’s Operator, potentially allowing it to browse the internet and perform certain tasks. It’s not yet known whether this would work directly from the web or be limited to the Edge browser, but it’s a highly anticipated feature.
Referencing features already available in ChatGPT, Copilot will also introduce something called “Deep Research,” which seems to work similarly. The description says it will take around 10 minutes to perform a research task. While details are limited, it is likely this feature will initially be exclusive to Pro users. Still, considering how many features Microsoft recently made available to free users, this could change.
Another upcoming feature is called “Pages,” which will likely function similarly to Canvas. Users will be able to turn a Copilot response into an editable page, work with the text directly, and use editing tools alongside a side chat. These pages can be accessed separately, making it easier to organize and work on content.
Lastly, a hidden feature currently in testing is called “Podcasts.” Even Labs users can’t access it yet, it seems, but the code reveals that it may allow users to create podcasts, potentially generated from Copilot responses. These podcasts might also appear in the Discover feed. The UI is expected to resemble the layout used for Daily Briefings. It may even work similarly to what we’ve seen in NotebookLM and Gemini.
Microsoft is also developing new widgets for response cards, including weather, finance, and shopping. Additionally, there are signs that ads, seen in the older legacy Copilot, might return in the updated interface. When exactly all of this will roll out remains uncertain.
In general, these upcoming features are exciting and could make Microsoft Copilot a much more competitive and capable AI assistant.
Source: A hint from Lance Adams
