Microsoft launches AI assistant that acts as virtual employee

Investing.com -- Microsoft Corp. introduced new artificial intelligence software called Scout on Tuesday that functions as an autonomous executive assistant within workplace systems.

The company announced the product at its Build developer conference in San Francisco. Scout differs from existing AI tools like ChatGPT or Microsoft's Copilot because it appears as a distinct entity on internal email and calendar systems rather than operating only for individual users.

Charles Lamanna, who oversees product development for Microsoft's business applications teams, said Scout can handle tasks independently across the organization. The assistant can request meeting reschedules when conflicts arise and respond to queries from colleagues, such as salespeople asking questions through their manager's Scout assistant.

"It has its own identity and therefore is shareable," Lamanna said in an interview.

Lamanna did not reveal pricing details for Scout. The software will initially require a subscription to Microsoft's GitHub Copilot coding assistant. The company plans to charge customers based on usage volume rather than implementing a flat subscription fee. Lamanna said Microsoft aims to include more AI products in standard subscription plans as the costs of accessing AI models decline.

Microsoft continues efforts to increase adoption of its AI tools through paid subscriptions. The company offers a new software bundle called E7. Currently, only a small portion of subscribers pay for Copilot, the company's main AI assistant product.

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