In order to improve the quality of deep research, Microsoft has added AI-powered tools to Copilot

Microsoft is rolling out a cutting-edge AI-powered tool within its Microsoft 365 Copilot suite, designed specifically to enhance deep research capabilities. This latest innovation adds to the growing number of advanced research-driven AI agents being introduced across various chatbot platforms, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and xAI’s Grok. These intelligent research assistants are powered by sophisticated reasoning AI models, which are engineered to methodically analyze problems and verify facts-an essential skill set for conducting detailed research on any given topic.

Microsoft has introduced two specialized AI research tools within this framework: Researcher and Analyst.

Researcher leverages OpenAI’s advanced deep research model-the same powerful engine that fuels ChatGPT’s own deep research tool-enhanced by Microsoft’s proprietary “advanced orchestration” and “deep search capabilities.” This AI-driven assistant is designed to conduct comprehensive analyses, such as formulating detailed go-to-market strategies and compiling in-depth quarterly reports for businesses and clients. By integrating this advanced research model, Researcher can synthesize vast amounts of information, generating well-structured insights for professionals seeking detailed, data-driven results.

Analyst, on the other hand, is powered by OpenAI’s o3-mini reasoning model, optimized specifically for advanced data analytics. Unlike conventional AI models, Analyst approaches problems through iterative reasoning, systematically refining its thought process to deliver highly detailed responses. Additionally, this AI-powered tool is capable of running the Python programming language to process complex data queries and computations. Analyst also provides full transparency by exposing its analytical process for review, allowing users to scrutinize and verify its methodology.

What sets Microsoft’s deep research tools apart from competitors is their ability to access and analyze both external web sources and internal organizational data. Researcher, for instance, can retrieve valuable insights from third-party data sources through AI-driven connectors, integrating with tools such as Confluence, ServiceNow, and Salesforce. This level of connectivity allows businesses to harness a more comprehensive and reliable dataset for research purposes.

However, the challenge of ensuring accuracy remains a significant hurdle. Even the most sophisticated AI models, including o3-mini and Microsoft’s deep research technology, are not infallible. These models can occasionally misattribute sources, reach flawed conclusions, or pull information from unreliable public databases, leading to potential misinformation.

To refine and improve these AI-driven research assistants, Microsoft is launching a Frontier program, granting select Microsoft 365 Copilot customers exclusive early access to Researcher and Analyst. This initiative will serve as a testing ground for experimental Copilot features, with Frontier participants gaining first-hand experience of the latest AI-driven advancements. The rollout of Researcher and Analyst for Frontier users is set to begin in April, offering a glimpse into the next evolution of AI-powered research tools.