MC1061100 – (Updated) Microsoft 365 Copilot can generate an audio overview of documents, meetings, and files

Product:

Copilot, Defender, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, Teams

Platform:

Android, iOS, Mac, mobile, Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Rolling out

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

490051
487854
487423
485747
478649

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot now offers audio overviews of documents, meetings, and files, available in OneDrive, Teams, Word, and Copilot Notebooks starting May 2025. Users can customize the audio format and style. Organizations should update training and documentation accordingly. Features are accessible to users with a Copilot license.

Details:
Updated May 21, 2025: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
Copilot can help users engage with their content in a new and dynamic way-through audio. This new feature will enable Copilot to turn documents, meetings, and files into an audio overview, creating a listening experience that's easy to follow. Users can ask Copilot to generate an audio overview in the Copilot chat pane, and Copilot will bring the content to life through a podcast-style discussion between two hosts who offer insightful commentary, draw connections between topics, and even exchange lively banter about the key points of their content. Soon, Copilot will also allow users to choose how they want to listen: select one or two speakers, adjust the style from concise to playful, and tailor the length to short, medium, or long. This capability is integrated directly into the tools users are familiar with-OneDrive, Teams, Word, and Copilot Notebooks-so it's ready whenever and wherever they are.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap IDs: 487423, 478649, 485747, 487854, 490051
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide):
This capability will begin rolling out in Copilot Notebooks on web for English only in May 2025
This capability will begin rolling out for Copilot in OneDrive on web for English only in May 2025
This capability will begin rolling out for Copilot in Teams on desktop and mobile for English only in June 2025
The podcast-style overview will begin rolling out for Copilot in Word on web and Windows desktop in May for English only. The ability to configure the audio overview format will be available in Word on web and desktop in June 2025.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release

Created:
2025-04-24

updated:
2025-05-22

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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linked item details

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summary for non-techies**

Microsoft 365 Copilot is introducing a feature that transforms documents, meetings, and files into customizable audio overviews, available in tools like OneDrive, Teams, and Word, allowing users to listen to summaries in a podcast-style format.

Direct effects for Operations**

User Training and Documentation
Lack of updated training and documentation may lead to confusion among users on how to utilize the new audio overview feature effectively, resulting in underutilization of the tool.
   - roles: Training Coordinator, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-page, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-copilot--april-2025/4370396#:~:text=out%20in%20May.-,Generate%20audio%20overviews%20of%20documents%2C%20meetings%2C%20and%20files%20with%20Copilot,-Soon%20Copilot%20can " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-copilot--april-2025/4370396#:~:text=out%20in%20May.-,Generate%20audio%20overviews%20of%20documents%2C%20meetings%2C%20and%20files%20with%20Copilot,-Soon%20Copilot%20can

User Experience
Without preparation, users may experience frustration due to the inability to customize audio overviews effectively, leading to dissatisfaction with the new feature.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=490051" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=490051, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=487423

Integration Issues
If the new audio overview feature is not properly integrated with existing workflows, users may face disruptions in their productivity, leading to delays in project timelines.
   - roles: Project Managers, End Users
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=485747, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=487854

Technical Support Overload
An unprepared rollout may lead to an increase in support tickets as users encounter issues with the new feature, overwhelming the IT support team.
   - roles: IT Support, Help Desk Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=478649, https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-page " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-page

User Adoption Resistance
Users may resist adopting the new feature if they are not adequately prepared or informed about its benefits, leading to a lack of engagement with the tool.
   - roles: Change Management Lead, End Users
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-copilot--april-2025/4370396#:~:text=out%20in%20May.-,Generate%20audio%20overviews%20of%20documents%2C%20meetings%2C%20and%20files%20with%20Copilot,-Soon%20Copilot%20can, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=490051" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=490051

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced Accessibility for Users
The introduction of audio overviews allows users with visual impairments or reading difficulties to access content in a more engaging way. This feature can significantly improve the user experience for those who may struggle with traditional document formats.
   - next-steps: Conduct a workshop to demonstrate the audio overview feature and gather feedback from users with accessibility needs. Update training materials to include this feature.
   - roles: Accessibility Coordinator, HR Manager, IT Support
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-page, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=487423

Improved Knowledge Retention
The podcast-style audio overviews can enhance knowledge retention by presenting information in a conversational format, making it easier for users to remember key points from meetings and documents. This can lead to more effective communication and collaboration across teams.
   - next-steps: Pilot the audio overview feature in team meetings and gather metrics on knowledge retention through follow-up surveys. Adjust training based on feedback to maximize effectiveness.
   - roles: Team Leaders, Project Managers, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-copilot--april-2025/4370396#:~:text=out%20in%20May.-,Generate%20audio%20overviews%20of%20documents%2C%20meetings%2C%20and%20files%20with%20Copilot,-Soon%20Copilot%20can

Streamlined Meeting Summaries
By generating audio overviews of meetings, organizations can save time spent on note-taking and summarizing discussions. This allows team members to focus on engagement during meetings and ensures that key points are captured in an accessible format.
   - next-steps: Implement a trial period where selected teams use the audio overview feature for all meetings. Collect feedback and refine the process based on user experiences.
   - roles: Executive Assistants, Team Managers, IT Administrators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=490051, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=485747

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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