Microsoft Transforms Copilot into Powerful Research Assistant with Deep Search, Pages, and Podcasts

At its 50th anniversary event, Microsoft introduced a significant overhaul of its Copilot assistant, focusing on making it a more effective research tool. While flashy, personalized AI features often get the spotlight, Microsoft is doubling down on utility.

The redesign includes Copilot Vision for Windows and a more intuitive interface, along with several new research-oriented features: Copilot Search, Deep Research, Podcasts, and Pages. These tools aim to transform Copilot into a reliable resource for gathering and synthesizing information.

Podcasts, Pages, and Research Agents Bring Customization and Depth to Microsoft Copilot Experience

Some of the new additions—like Podcasts and Pages—may feel familiar. Google previously showcased similar tools, such as generating podcasts from user-uploaded documents and creating collaborative content workspaces. Microsoft’s take, however, focuses on depth and integration. Pages, for instance, is designed to pull together various pieces of research into a ready-to-edit draft, making it especially useful for professionals who need to process large volumes of content efficiently.

Another major feature is the introduction of Research agents for Microsoft 365 users. These agents can tap into company-specific knowledge stored in internal repositories, allowing businesses to extract valuable insights from their own data. This development signals Microsoft’s commitment to making Copilot not just a general AI assistant, but a powerful tool tailored to the unique needs of enterprise users.

Deep Research and Copilot Search Deliver Smarter, Faster, and More Comprehensive Information Retrieval

Deep Research stands out as one of the most powerful features being added. Unlike simple queries, it reads through multiple web pages—sometimes dozens—and compiles the findings into a comprehensive research summary. Though it can take a few minutes to complete, the result is often more accurate and thorough. Microsoft isn’t the first to offer this capability, but its inclusion adds serious research strength to Copilot, making it more than just a basic AI chatbot.

Completing the suite of updates is Copilot Search, a faster alternative to Deep Research that still draws from live web sources. Designed for quick, factual results, Copilot Search reinforces Microsoft’s efforts to provide a robust, information-rich assistant. While the company has started rolling out these features, it hasn’t shared a detailed release timeline. The availability will likely depend on region, language support, and feature complexity.