Microsoft launches Scout, a new AI assistant for Microsoft 365

In short: Microsoft has launched Scout, a new AI assistant designed to work inside Microsoft 365 and help users automate everyday work tasks.

What happened

Microsoft announced Scout at its Build event. The company says Scout is inspired by OpenClaw, a popular project earlier this year that showed both the promise and the problems of AI “agents” (AI tools that can take actions for you, like a helper that does not just answer questions but also does chores).

Scout is designed to be “always on” across your computer and web browser. It can connect to common work tools like email inboxes and calendars. Microsoft says Scout will ship with built-in skills such as managing your calendar and drafting meeting agendas, and users can teach it new routines over time.

A key part of Scout is that it is meant to feel consistent. Users can name their Scout and keep using the same one, so it can adapt based on ongoing feedback, like training a personal assistant to follow your preferred way of working.

Scout is available through Microsoft’s Frontier program. Microsoft says you will also need a GitHub Copilot subscription to use it.

Microsoft also highlighted security features aimed at preventing the assistant from doing the wrong thing on its own. Scout includes a “policy conformance system,” which means it regularly checks whether it is following the rules, and it creates an audit trail (a record you can review later, like a paper trail).

Why it matters

Tools like Scout could reduce time spent on repetitive office work, but they also raise a simple question: how much control you have when software can take actions for you. Microsoft’s focus on rule checks and logs suggests it expects people and companies to demand clear safeguards before letting an AI assistant touch email, schedules, and documents.

Source: TechCrunch AI