Microsoft has officially confirmed its plans to revamp the Microsoft Planner to-do app, aiming to enhance project management services for small teams and businesses.
This announcement follows recent speculations fueled by a leaked video suggesting a significant overhaul.
Microsoft Planner Experience
According to Neowin, there were already rumors hinting that Microsoft had plans to release an improved version of Microsoft Planner. As of Wednesday, Nov. 15, this was confirmed as true.
During the Microsoft Ignite 2023 developers conference, the tech giant unveiled its strategic move to merge existing task management and planning tools, including Microsoft To Do, Microsoft Planner, and Microsoft Project for the web. This integration aims to create a cohesive and unified experience for users, streamlining project management capabilities.
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Microsoft Planning Tools
The reimagined project management suite, named Microsoft Planner, is set to be introduced in a phased manner. Initially, the new Planner experience will be integrated into the Planner app within Microsoft Teams in spring 2024.
Subsequently, a web-based version is scheduled for release later in the same year. This consolidated approach is designed to simplify the user experience and maximize efficiency.
As part of this transition, existing apps such as Tasks by Planner and To Do within Microsoft Teams will undergo a name change, simplifying to just "Planner." Additionally, Microsoft Project for the web is slated to be renamed Planner in the upcoming months.
Moreover, Microsoft assures existing users that they will retain access to the same robust features following the update.
AI-Powered Enhancements: The Copilot Integration
Microsoft Planner promises to bring AI-enabled capabilities to the forefront, offering users a unified platform for managing work across various roles, from information workers to frontline workers and project managers.
The highlight of these enhancements is the integration of Copilot AI, previously known as Bing Chat, per The Verge. The Copilot feature assists users in plan creation through text prompts, suggesting goals, and recommending tasks as the plans evolve.
While specific details about the new Planner experience are currently limited, Microsoft envisions providing users with tools for seamless task discovery, efficient scheduling, and robust resourcing capabilities for creating project plans.
This move positions Microsoft's offering in direct competition with existing task management services such as Trello, Asana, and Airtable.
The decision to consolidate planning tools suggests that Microsoft could potentially offer a more compelling solution to users than individual product offerings.
As Microsoft moves forward with its unified Planner app, the tech community eagerly awaits further insights into the features and capabilities that will define this comprehensive project management solution.
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