Microsoft has officially transitioned its Microsoft 365 app, formerly known by many as Office, into the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. This update reflects Microsoft’s growing focus on artificial intelligence and positions Copilot at the heart of everyday work and life tasks.
But what does this mean for you? Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, here’s a clear and engaging breakdown of what’s changing, and what stays the same.
What’s New: A Name and Feature Shift
New App Name and Look
- The familiar Microsoft 365 app has been renamed to the “Microsoft 365 Copilot app.”
- This change rolled out beginning January 15, 2025, with a new icon and updated interface that highlights AI-powered capabilities.
Despite the name change, it’s not a completely new program, it’s a continuation and evolution of the productivity hub many users already rely on.
Unified Across Devices
The Microsoft 365 Copilot app now appears consistently on:
- Web (via m365.cloud.microsoft with automatic redirects from office.com and microsoft365.com)
- Windows devices
- iOS and Android mobile platforms
So whether you’re on your desktop or phone, the experience feels familiar but smarter.
What Copilot Brings to the Table
At its core, Copilot isn’t just a name, it’s an AI assistant built directly into your productivity workflow. Here’s how the Copilot mindset changes the app:
AI-Enhanced Productivity
- Ask Copilot to draft or edit content.
- Use it to summarize documents or generate ideas.
- It helps with tasks like writing emails, preparing presentations, or analyzing data.
These AI tools help users work smarter, not harder.
Seamless Search + Chat
Powered by advanced AI (including capabilities similar to large language models), Copilot:
- Offers intelligent search across your files and emails.
- Provides chat-style interactions that help you get answers, suggestions, or content ideas on the fly.
This makes the Copilot app more than a launcher for Word or Excel, it’s a smart companion for productivity.
Who Gets Copilot Features?
Microsoft distinguishes between two types of users:
Work or School Accounts
- Copilot Chat is available with a Microsoft 365 subscription (at no extra cost) or with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license for enhanced features.
Personal Accounts
- Personal, Family, and Premium Microsoft 365 subscribers will also get access to Copilot Chat as part of their plan.
- Users without a subscription won’t see Copilot Chat, although the app name and icon remain the same for consistency.
Why This Matters
This evolution isn’t just cosmetic. It signals a larger shift in how Microsoft defines productivity, moving from traditional tools toward AI-assisted workflows that help users solve problems faster and collaborate more efficiently.
For many users, the transition will be seamless, just a new name and smarter features. But for those curious about the AI buzz, the Microsoft 365 Copilot app offers a glimpse into the future of work.
Media Contact: Chithra Sivaramakrishnan | +1(646) 362-3877 | chithra.sivaramakrishnan@prolifics.com
