Copilot makes filing forms easier with copy

Microsoft is eliminating the hassle of manual form-filling with its new Smart Paste capability in Copilot form-fill assistance for model-driven apps. This feature simplifies data entry by automatically pulling relevant information from sources like emails, documents, or notes. Now, filling out forms is as easy as a quick copy and paste, saving users time and effort.

With the new Smart Paste feature, completing forms is faster and smarter. Here’s what’s new:

• Effortless data entry: Copy text from an email, document, or note, then click the Smart Paste button to instantly auto-fill form fields—saving you time and reducing manual effort.

• Enhanced transparency with citations: Each suggestion includes a source citation for added clarity and confidence in the recommendations you receive.

• Expanded availability: Form Fill Assistance, including Smart Paste, is now supported in quick create forms and is rolling out in 21 languages worldwide.

• Easy setup: Turn on this feature by going to Power Platform Admin Center > Settings > Product > Features > AI Form Fill Assistance.

v3.4.0 Dialog Builder for Dynamics 365 and Power Apps Released

We're excited to announce the release of version 3.4.0 of our Dialog Component for Power Apps, bringing significant visual and functional updates to align with Dynamics 365's "New Look" design system.

Visual Refinements

The latest update introduces several key improvements to dialog appearance and behavior:

• Modernized Layout: Dialog padding has been increased to 24px, matching the out-of-the-box Dynamics 365 and Power Apps model-driven app experience

• Enhanced Icon Integration: Icons now display at a more compact 24px size and sit naturally inline with dialog titles

• Improved Content Flow: Message content now consistently appears below the title and icon section, creating a clearer visual hierarchy

• Better Space Management: Close and resize buttons have been repositioned inline with the title and icon, eliminating content overlap issues

Breaking Changes

Please note several important changes that may affect existing implementations:

• The color dialog option has been deprecated as part of our alignment with D365 standard styling

• Element sizing adjustments may introduce scrollbars in some existing dialogs

• The showLoading function now uses a default size of 300x160px

• Our JavaScript compiler now targets ES2022, which may affect compatibility with browsers released before 2021

New Features

We've added new functionality to enhance customization and user experience:

• Field Dividers: A new divider option is available for all field types, allowing you to add underlines to simulate grid layouts

• Enhanced Lookup Field Behavior: Clearing a Lookup field now triggers the callback function with a null value, providing better control over field interactions

Getting Started

To upgrade to version 3.4.0, please review your existing dialog implementations, particularly checking for:

1. Any custom color configurations that need updating

2. Dialog sizes that might be affected by the new sizing standards

3. Browser compatibility requirements for your user base

We recommend testing your existing dialogs thoroughly after upgrading to ensure proper functionality with these new changes.

You can download a trial of v3.4.0 by clicking on this link.

Microsoft Learn launches AI training resources to empower developers

Microsoft’s latest initiative on Microsoft Learn is dedicated to empowering developers in the AI era. Through new, AI-focused training resources, developers can gain essential skills for integrating AI responsibly and securely within their workflows. By leveraging tools like Azure AI services and GitHub Copilot, Microsoft aims to streamline development processes, enhance productivity, and support developers in building secure, ethical AI solutions.

Microsoft Learn helps:

• Stay current with technology: Tackle new challenges, from mastering the latest tech updates to addressing complex integrations and navigating security and ethical concerns.

• Boost efficiency with AI: Discover how tools like GitHub Copilot can automate repetitive tasks and accelerate app development.

• Build secure AI-powered applications: Gain hands-on experience to build, test, and deploy robust AI-driven applications using GitHub and Azure.

• Optimize software delivery cycle: Learn how to implement, configure, and secure every stage of software delivery process—from code to cloud.

Access the training resources here.

Microsoft transforms HR functions with AI-powered Copilot Studio agents

HR professionals are tasked with critical functions like recruitment, onboarding, and managing the employee lifecycle—a workload that often stretches resources thin. Microsoft’s Copilot Studio steps in to ease these challenges, providing AI-driven agents that help organizations streamline and automate their HR processes for greater efficiency and productivity.

Discover how AI-powered agents with Copilot can help transform HR functions:

• Leave Management Agent: Easily manage absence requests, view history summaries, and access time-off policies—all in one place.

• Wellness Check Agent: Encourage employees to incorporate healthy habits into their day-to-day routines through Microsoft Teams.

• Awards & Recognition Agent: Simplify the process of nominating and recognizing employees for their contributions and achievements.

• Inclusivity Agent: Enhance workplace culture with tools to foster inclusivity and respectful interactions.

• Job Craft Agent: Streamline recruitment tasks by generating job descriptions, interview questions, and role requirements.

Microsoft releases hundreds of AI capabilities in its 2024 wave 2 updates

Microsoft has unveiled hundreds of new Copilot features in its 2024 Release Wave 2, transforming Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power Platform, and role-based Microsoft Copilot offerings. Spanning from October 2024 through March 2025, these updates are set to enhance productivity and empower users across business roles with AI-driven insights and automation.

Benefits of using AI capabilities:

• Future-ready AI solutions: From simple prompt-response systems to fully autonomous agents, Copilot and agents are redefining what’s possible for business automation.

• Enhanced customer engagement: Boost customer experiences with multilingual bots, Copilot-generated prompts, in-line email functionality, and much more.

• Streamlined efficiency: Enhance organizational efficiency with five autonomous agents tailored for Dynamics 365, designed to simplify processes and drive productivity.

• Rapid solution development: Unlock faster solution-building across your organization with cutting-edge AI features integrated into the Power Platform.

• Enhanced user experiences: Automate routine tasks and deliver actionable insights effortlessly with the power of Copilot and autonomous agents.

Microsoft makes AI more accessible for enterprises with Azure OpenAI Service expansion

As AI adoption accelerates across industries, businesses need more than just advanced models—they require adaptable, reliable, and scalable solutions. Microsoft is stepping up to this challenge by expanding its Azure OpenAI Service, making enterprise-grade AI more accessible and tailored for scale, security, and seamless integration into business workflows.

Discover how AI can be broadly available and enterprise-ready with Azure OpenAI Service Provisioned offering:

• AI workload scalability: Meet regional data residency requirements with the new Azure OpenAI Service Data Zones, now available across the EU and US.

• Enhanced token generation: Boost efficiency with 99% latency service level, speeding up token generation for smoother operations.

• Cost reduction: Starting November 1, 2024, enjoy lower hourly rates for both Provisioned Global and Provisioned Data Zone deployments.

• Accelerated deployment: Experience faster deployment times when transitioning from Standard to Provision to meet business needs promptly.

• Optimized API performance: Leverage Prompt Caching for more economical and rapid responses in repetitive API requests.
  

Microsoft shares six essential Copilot learning opportunities for everyone

Microsoft has unveiled six essential learning resources aimed at helping users leverage Copilot's AI capabilities, making it easier for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros to harness the power of artificial intelligence in their workflows. These free resources cover various aspects of Copilot technology, including foundational concepts, productivity tips, and hands-on experiences with AI-powered tools. With a strong focus on accessibility and practical knowledge, these courses are part of Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to democratize AI education and empower users to integrate these advanced tools seamlessly into their daily tasks.

Check these tailored learning opportunities:

• Craft effective prompts for Microsoft 365 Copilot: Learn to write clear, concise prompts that drive precise results across your go-to Microsoft 365 apps.

• Master prompt engineering techniques: Refine Copilot’s output with techniques for building and adjusting prompts effectively.

• Microsoft 365 Copilot use cases: Discover how Copilot can empower specific tasks in your role, helping you work smarter, not harder.

• Data, privacy, and security essentials: Gain insights into privacy, compliance, and GDPR standards for Copilot, ensuring a secure user experience.

• Maximize Copilot across platforms: Get the most out of Copilot with dedicated learning for Microsoft 365, MS Teams, Dynamics 365, and more.

• Advance your skills in prompt engineering: Upgrade your proficiency with Copilot by diving into advanced prompt engineering strategies.

Find the learning opportunities links here.

Microsoft ends new registrations for Azure DevOps OAuth apps

Starting February 3, 2025, Microsoft will no longer accept new registrations for Azure DevOps OAuth apps. marking the first step in its plan to end the Azure DevOps OAuth platform. This marks the first step in Microsoft’s plan to gradually phase out the Azure DevOps OAuth platform, urging developers to transition to the more modern and secure Entra OAuth solution.

Here’s what developers need to know:

• Transition to Microsoft Identity: Microsoft recommends migrating to the Microsoft Identity platform via a new Entra app.

• Existing apps supported: Current Azure DevOps OAuth apps will function until the official end-of-life.

• Final security updates: Expect multiple client secrets, a secret rotation API, and a default secret lifespan of 60 days.

• Prepare for change: Developers are encouraged to start transitioning their apps to accept Entra tokens for continued functionality and improved security.

Microsoft releases October 2024 update of Power Automate for desktop

Microsoft's October 2024 update for Power Automate for Desktop brings significant enhancements aimed at boosting productivity and streamlining automation. Key upgrades include improved enhanced connectors, new data extraction actions, and an optimized work queue experience. These features make it easier for users to build efficient workflows, integrating automation seamlessly into daily business tasks.

Quick overview of what’s new in Power Automate for desktop:

• Expanded connectors: Discover a wider selection of connectors for desktop flows in preview with the new Connectors tab.

• Enhanced web automation: Now supports Citrix and RDP sessions, allowing you to create seamless flows even in remote machine environments.

• Efficient data extraction: The new Extract Data from Table feature makes it easy to extract tables and data grids from your target applications.

• Improved work queue actions: Two new actions—Add Multiple Work Queue Items and Get Work Queue Items by Filter—make processing tasks faster and more flexible.

Download the latest Power Automate for desktop here.

Microsoft releases new certification for Microsoft Fabric engineers

Microsoft has introduced a new certification for data engineers specializing in Microsoft Fabric. The Microsoft Certified: Fabric Data Engineer Associate validates expertise in data loading patterns, architectures, and orchestration processes, with a beta exam currently available at a discounted rate for a limited time​.

New certification exam key info:

• Audience: Experts in data loading patterns, architectures, and orchestration processes.

• Exam: DP-700 - Implementing Data Engineering Solutions Using Microsoft Fabric.

• Focus areas: Ingesting and transforming data, securing and managing analytics solutions, and optimizing performance.

• Skills needed: Proficiency in SQL, PySpark, KQL, and collaboration with analytics teams.

• Offer: First 300 test-takers before November 12, 2024 get an 80% discount.

Get the certification here.