The recent OneDrive event hosted by Microsoft unveiled a host of exciting updates that promise to enhance user experience across both Windows 11 and Mac devices. Attendees were treated to a glimpse of a new OneDrive that aims to seamlessly integrate with personal and professional workflows alike. Microsoft representatives expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “I’m excited to announce that these features will be coming to every OneDrive experience, including your PC or Mac.” This commitment to improving productivity is particularly evident in the revamped user interface and the introduction of Natural Language Search, designed to help users swiftly locate the files they need.
While Microsoft did not confirm the launch of a dedicated OneDrive app for both operating systems, the current focus appears to be on a web application. However, the company did hint at the forthcoming integration of OneDrive Copilot features within Windows File Explorer and macOS Finder, marking a significant step in their expansion strategy. The integration of Copilot into Windows 11 is expected, given the existing functionalities, but the implementation within macOS Finder will be closely watched by users.
In the accompanying screenshots, users can see how the Finder window operates alongside an open Copilot interface, showcasing various file manipulation options, including summarization capabilities.
Microsoft has previously released a standalone app for macOS, which raises the possibility of launching the app to facilitate text processing within its window.
Copilot
As anticipated, OneDrive is set to feature Copilot integration akin to other Microsoft 365 applications. This functionality will allow users to generate quick summaries of lengthy documents, create presentations based on those summaries, and pose questions regarding the content. Additionally, a new file comparison feature will enable users to analyze up to five files simultaneously, regardless of their formats, enhancing the versatility of data comparison.
Custom Copilot Agent
One of the more intriguing announcements was the introduction of a customizable Copilot agent tailored for specific projects. This feature allows users to personalize the agent according to their needs and share it with teammates, fostering collaboration across various platforms such as Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive. This micro AI assistant could revolutionize how teams work together on projects.
Colored Folder Icons
In a move that adds a splash of creativity to file organization, users can now assign custom colors to OneDrive folders on their Windows 11 PCs. This feature, which deviates from the traditional yellow folder icons, enhances visual identification and organization, making it easier to navigate through file locations. There is hope that this color-coding option will soon extend to Windows 11 as well.
File Sharing
The updated file-sharing capabilities include the option to set expiration dates for shared files, along with an intuitive way to track who currently has access and is actively working on specific documents.
Performance Boost
Microsoft’s presentation highlighted a substantial performance enhancement in file access and management. Users can expect a more responsive experience when locating and categorizing files. An interactive dashboard will provide suggested actions for previously viewed files, while small yet impactful Copilot actions will be integrated into context menus and the top navigation bar.
Moreover, the OneDrive mobile app is also receiving upgrades, allowing users to find photos related to specific events using simple text commands. However, it is worth noting that the revamped OneDrive features are currently limited to Enterprise and Education customers, leaving free-tier users awaiting similar enhancements like folder colors and performance improvements.
