Stop saying Microsoft 365 Roadmap, and start saying ‘AI at Work’. Microsoft is implementing yet another unnecessary rebranding to further highlight its AI products.
In the Microsoft 365 Roadmap, Microsoft provides a preview of new features it plans to add to the software suite. In recent years, these new features have primarily focused on AI, leading Microsoft to feel the need to change the roadmap’s name. Microsoft announced the name change to ‘AI at Work Roadmap’ via the Microsoft 365 Message Center and in a blog.
According to Microsoft, ‘AI at Work’ better aligns with how its customers actually work. Redmond states that no sensible company runs only a single Microsoft product. The only real change is that, starting in September, Microsoft will also add new features for Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Dataverse to the roadmap.
Microsoft is also moving away from ‘release waves’ and will share information about new features on a continuous basis. Previously, Microsoft listed what was coming for 365 applications every six months. For those who do not need to see everything, it will be possible to filter by the specific products you use.
Copilot rebranding
Microsoft loves rebranding, especially when it allows them to further highlight their AI products. This has also been the case with the Microsoft 365 bundle itself over the past few years. Microsoft Office was first renamed Microsoft 365, and subsequently 365 Copilot.
That name change primarily caused confusion, stemming from the vague distinction between Copilot versions that were or were not included in the subscription. This time, Copilot is not the central focus, but it illustrates that Microsoft has no intention of slowing down the addition of new AI features to its ecosystem.