MC947073 – (Updated) Image input support in Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Copilot (archived)

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 suite, Outlook, Teams

Platform:

Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Starting late January 2025, Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Copilot users with an Entra account can upload images for analysis in various apps. Rollout completion is expected by early March 2025. This feature will be available without tenant level configuration and respects existing user availability controls.

Details:
Updated February 6, 2025: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Starting in late-December, Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot users signed in with an Entra account will be able to upload images in both Work and Web copilot and ask Copilot questions about the image, such as for Copilot to analyze or describe it. Users will be able to take pictures using their mobile cameras or upload images directly to Copilot from their devices. This functionality will be available when using Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Copilot from following locations:
Microsoft 365 app (Web, desktop, mobile)
Outlook app (Web, desktop, mobile)
Teams (Web, desktop, mobile)
[When this will happen:]
General Availability: We will begin rolling out late January 2025 (previously late December) and expect to complete by early March 2025 (previously late February).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2024-12-03

updated:
2025-02-07

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Image Upload Functionality
Users may experience confusion or frustration if they attempt to upload images without understanding the new feature, leading to potential misuse or incorrect expectations of the tool's capabilities.
   - roles: End Users, Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/01/15/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-copilot/

Image Analysis Quality
The quality of image analysis may vary, leading to incorrect interpretations or responses from Copilot, which could impact user trust and reliance on the tool.
   - roles: End Users, Data Analysts
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/01/15/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-copilot/

Increased Support Queries
The introduction of image upload capabilities may lead to an increase in support queries as users encounter issues or have questions about the new functionality, straining IT support resources.
   - roles: Support Staff, IT Operations
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/01/15/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-copilot/

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Training and Support
With the introduction of image input support in Microsoft 365 Copilot, there is an opportunity to enhance user training programs to help employees maximize the utility of this new feature. By providing targeted training sessions, users can learn how to effectively utilize image analysis in their workflows, leading to improved productivity and user satisfaction.
   - next-steps: Develop training materials and schedule workshops focusing on the new image input capabilities of Microsoft 365 Copilot. Gather feedback from users to continuously improve the training content.
   - roles: Training Coordinators, IT Support Staff, Department Managers
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot/ba-p/3905321, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/01/15/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-copilot/ " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/01/15/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-copilot/

Integration with Business Processes
The ability to analyze images can be integrated into existing business processes, such as quality control, inventory management, or marketing analysis. By leveraging this feature, teams can enhance their workflows and make data-driven decisions based on visual content.
   - next-steps: Identify key business processes that could benefit from image analysis. Collaborate with relevant departments to create pilot projects that utilize the new feature.
   - roles: Operations Managers, Marketing Teams, Product Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/01/15/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-copilot/, https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/01/09/how-ai-is-changing-the-way-businesses-use-images/?sh=1c2e7b3b7e5b

Feedback Mechanism for Continuous Improvement
Establishing a feedback mechanism for users to report their experiences with the new image input feature can provide valuable insights for ongoing improvements. This can help identify common issues, desired enhancements, and overall user satisfaction.
   - next-steps: Create a structured feedback form and schedule regular review meetings to discuss user feedback and potential enhancements. Implement a system for tracking feedback responses and outcomes.
   - roles: Product Managers, User Experience Researchers, IT Administrators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/01/15/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-copilot/, https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/01/09/how-ai-is-changing-the-way-businesses-use-images/?sh=1c2e7b3b7e5b

Potentional Risks**

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Data Protection**

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IT Security**

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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**

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DPIA Draft**

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explanation for non-techies**

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