This edition brings you the standout AI news from November, showcasing the field's most exciting developments:
🚀 Microsoft at Ignite 2024: Game-changing updates to Copilot Agents and Actions take the spotlight.
🌐 OpenAI's ChatGPT Upgrade: Real-time search capabilities redefine how we access information.
📊 Anthropic's AI Analysis Tool: Simplifying complex data for businesses.
🎭 Virgin Media O2's 'Daisy the AI Granny': Ingeniously outsmarting scammers.
🛠️ Amazon + Anthropic: A bold move to supercharge Alexa.
From generative AI's rise in law to breakthroughs in AI-driven medical research, this issue captures the pulse of AI's rapid evolution. Let's explore the future together!
Microsoft announces big updates for Copilot at Ignite 2024
Microsoft announced major updates to its 365 Copilot platform at the Ignite 2024 conference, focusing on tools that boost productivity and simplify workflows.
Highlights Include:
- Copilot Actions: A new feature combining automation and AI to streamline tasks with real-time collaboration tools powered by Microsoft Loop.
- Prebuilt Agents: Ready-to-use tools like meeting notetakers and self-service assistants to help users quickly adopt AI-powered workflows.
- SharePoint Advanced Management: Now included in the Copilot licence, this feature addresses common issues like data oversharing and security at no extra cost.
Microsoft also introduced a Copilot Dashboard to track usage and adoption and renamed the "Copilot Lab" to "Prompt Gallery" to better reflect its purpose.
- Our view: The Agentic AI theme is growing stronger with the introduction of actions and prebuilt agents. These prebuilt agents expand on the feature that allows users to create their own agents in 365 Copilot. While marketed as a business convenience, these agents are increasingly handling tasks traditionally performed by humans. For instance, a service desk AI agent that interacts through chat, voice, and email appears to replace much of the work currently done by humans in the service industry. Leaders need to consider how to reskill their workforce to meet future requirements and determine which tasks should be handled by humans versus machines.
Other signs of agentic AI becoming a reality:
- Claude's computer control feature is in beta (see last month's newsletter)
- OpenAI's announcement that the macOS app can now see your screen (ahead of the rumoured release of their own agent in January next year)
OAIC releases new AI privacy compliance guides for businesses
The Australian Privacy Regulator has released essential guides on AI and privacy compliance. One guide helps businesses meet privacy obligations when using AI tools, focusing on transparency, lawful use of personal data, and best practices like avoiding sensitive information in public AI tools. The second guide advises AI developers on privacy considerations, emphasising accuracy, legal use of public data, and obtaining consent for sensitive data or secondary uses. These resources clarify how Australian privacy laws apply to AI and outline the regulator's expectations.
OpenAI Introduces ChatGPT Search 
ChatGPT gets a major upgrade with its new search capability. This tool allows users to retrieve real-time information, making the AI even more useful for dynamic tasks like research and decision-making.
- Our view: Just the answers and the list of source sites, no sponsored links or ads. It’s a clean experience. You can set it as your default search engine to search from your address bar which we’re still getting used to (a few things aren’t quite the same, like a quick weather search for example) but we’re going to stick at it.
Anthropic launches a new AI analysis tool
Anthropic has introduced an AI-powered analysis tool designed to streamline complex data interpretation, making it easier for businesses to gain valuable insights.
O2 unveils Daisy the AI Granny to waste scammers' time
Virgin Media O2 has introduced 'Daisy,' an AI-powered persona designed to keep scammers talking, wasting their time, and reducing their impact on potential victims. This creative solution helps combat nuisance calls in a unique way.
New research predicts continued growth for generative AI in legal
A recent study highlights the continued expansion of generative AI within the legal sector. The findings suggest that AI-driven tools are increasingly vital for improving efficiency and reducing workload in legal practices.
Amazon partners with Anthropic to boost AI for Alexa 
Amazon has made a significant investment in Anthropic, aiming to enhance AI capabilities for its Alexa voice assistant. This partnership will help Amazon bring more advanced generative AI functionalities to its users.
Other News in AI
- Coca-Cola responds to backlash over AI-generated Christmas ad
- Microsoft Ignite 2024: All the news and announcements from Microsoft’s annual event
- MacOS ChatGPT App Can Now See Your Screen (Preparing for Agentic Control in January?)
- Voice mode now available on ChatGPT desktop version for paid users
Useful for you
Netflix documentary: What's next? The future with Bill Gates
The rapid evolution of AI raises critical questions for humanity. In the latest Netflix documentary, Bill Gates discusses the potential impacts of AI with filmmaker James Cameron and the OpenAI team in the first episode titled 'What Can AI Do for Us/to Us'. This is a great introduction to AI and its implications.
We're updating our training to include development of 365 Copilot agents
We’re updating our training programs to include the latest features of 365 Copilot Agents. These agents are revolutionising productivity by offering personalised AI support, much like what GPTs do for ChatGPT, helping teams work smarter.
How real-world businesses are transforming with AI
Discover how companies are using AI to drive transformation and stay competitive in today’s digital economy. Microsoft’s blog highlights several real-world use cases and success stories.
That’s it for this month! Your feedback matters—let us know what you think or share ideas for future topics. If you enjoyed this edition, feel free to pass it along to colleagues and friends.
Until next time.
Matt Dunn
Head of Automation and AI
Want more? Contact mdunn@themissinglink.com.au to discover how you can partner with AI and automation experts who understand your business needs and industry challenges. You can also subscribe to The Neural Link, our monthly newsletter filled with the latest trends and insights in AI and automation.
