Microsoft Scout: Agentic AI for Businesses Unveiled

Microsoft is launching a new AI assistant called Microsoft Scout, powered by OpenClaw. This new tool could show businesses the potential of agentic AI on a large scale. Microsoft Scout can schedule meetings, remind users about tasks, order food, and claims it can even file expenses. The company is rolling it out to a small group of customers first. The open-source software behind OpenClaw has existed for months, but companies have waited for security improvements. Microsoft says it has taken steps to ensure OpenClaw won't act independently or delete emails. The agent only accesses authorized information, and users can approve actions beforehand. The cost remains a question, as Microsoft has not disclosed pricing plans for Scout. However, in the preview, Scout will use credits from existing GitHub Copilot subscriptions, which cost $19 or $39 per seat per month, with options to buy more. This could impact how businesses manage their AI budgets.