Microsoft has launched a new feature called 'computer use' for its Copilot Studio platform, enabling AI agents to autonomously perform tasks on websites and desktop applications.

Currently available as an early access research preview, this feature allows users to create AI agents that can interact with applications using plain English, eliminating the need for coding.

The tool is particularly beneficial for businesses, automating tasks such as data entry, market research, and invoice processing, even on systems that lack APIs.

Privacy and security are prioritized, with all operations conducted on Microsoft-hosted infrastructure, ensuring that enterprise data remains secure and is not used for training external AI models.

While the technology shows promise, Microsoft acknowledges the potential for errors in execution, emphasizing the importance of real-world testing for these AI agents.

By leveraging this technology, users can expect more responsive interactions with applications, as AI agents can better understand and react to the changing digital environment.

Charles Lamanna, a corporate vice president at Microsoft, stated that if a person can use an application, the AI agent can too, highlighting the tool's versatility across various platforms.

Despite a year-to-date decline in Microsoft shares, analysts project a potential upside with an average price target of $502.57.

Despite criticism from Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, who labeled Copilot a failure, Microsoft continues to advance its AI initiatives, demonstrating resilience in the face of setbacks.

The feature is designed to dynamically detect changes in user interfaces, allowing the AI agents to adapt in real-time and maintain workflow continuity.

More demonstrations and announcements regarding Copilot Studio are anticipated at Microsoft Build 2025 in May, showcasing the ongoing development of these AI capabilities.

Interested users can sign up for early access to the computer use feature, which is available for free with a work or school account.