Microsoft has recently introduced an array of new features for its OneDrive cloud storage service, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance user experience. Central to these updates is the integration of its AI assistant, Copilot, which is designed to summarize, compare, and provide answers about files without requiring them to be opened.

After initially being forecasted, highlighted updates such as colored OneDrive folders in Windows File Explorer have now moved to general availability. Additional enhancements include significant updates to Document Libraries, a refined sharing experience, and assorted collaboration features.

One of the most notable advancements is the upgrade in search functionality. Described as a ‘game-changer’, the search improvements provide better control and results, facilitating easier access to specific files or folders either within a user’s OneDrive or one shared by a colleague. Microsoft announces that these enhanced search capabilities are being rolled out now and will be accessible to all commercial users by the year-end.

IT administrators can look forward to the previews of a site policy comparison report and Restricted Content Discoverability (RCD) capabilities, essential for organizations deploying Copilot while ensuring compliance. With RCD, files located in particular libraries won’t feature in Copilot-generated results.

Moreover, Microsoft is augmenting OneDrive’s capacity with new storage tiers of 5 TB and 10 TB, expanding beyond the former 2 TB allowance established in 2019. This development will greatly benefit consumers, especially with the intensified focus on photo management. As image handling becomes a priority, Microsoft’s revamped mobile app offers enhanced photo editing and natural language search, delivering what the company describes as a ‘photos-first’ mobile experience. The rollout will initially target Android users, with iOS updates following shortly.

While Microsoft’s initiative has garnered positive attention, there are ongoing conversations regarding data privacy. Addressing concerns about the AI’s access to personal data, Microsoft guarantees that individual data won’t be used to train its AI models.

The Register reached out to Microsoft for further details on storage costs and potential adjustments to their 1 TB limit amidst these expansive changes.