Microsoft is adding new features to Microsoft 365 for Windows 11 users. They are described as "Companion" or "mini apps" and will be built into the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.

The features are only for Microsoft 365. That's the subscription version of the Office package where users get updates for as long as they are paying the annual fee. They won't be available on the standalone Office or on Windows 10.

The idea of the mini-apps is to make it easier to carry out core tasks without the need to open up full-blown apps or visit a web page.

Calendar Tool Enhanced

The File Search companion acts as a quick link to search through files created in Microsoft 365, preview the contents without opening a file, and see recently used documents or share files.

The Calendar companion is for the Microsoft 365 calendar only and has features such as searching appointments or joining meetings, again through the taskbar without the need to open an app.

The People companion is definitely more suitable for business users, particularly in large organizations. It's designed to make it easier to find colleagues through "organizational charts" and get contact information or message somebody. It's only available for business subscriptions to Microsoft 365 that include access to Microsoft Teams. (Source: windowscentral.com)

In all three cases, it's a tool that could be useful but has a distinct audience. The People companion doesn't seem to offer much for home/consumer users. File Search sounds useful if it works as described, but many users would prefer improved file tools to cover all their documents and files, not just Microsoft 365. And the Calendar companion isn't much help to people who use Microsoft 365 but prefer Google or other calendar services.

Automatic Install and Startup

For the moment the tools are only available through the Business version of the Microsoft 365 Insider Program for early testing, but they will be rolling out to all users soon.

The companion apps will be added to the taskbar automatically through the Microsoft 365 update program. That's a slightly unusual approach to have an app update directly affect the wider Windows interface itself.

Normally the apps will "launch" automatic at startup, though this simply means the icons will appear on the taskbar ready to use. It will be possible to disable this automatic launch. (Source: theverge.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Would you find any of these tools useful? Should Microsoft concentrate on features that help all Windows users, not just those running Microsoft 365? Do you feel you need to use the same company for all your computing tools (ex: document creation software and calendar management) to make the most of them?