Microsoft 365 introduces three sleek Companion apps—People, File Search, and Calendar—designed to keep you focused and efficient. These compact tools minimize distractions by letting you quickly access contacts, files, and schedules without leaving your workflow. Available now for Windows 11 Insiders. :
Stay in the Flow with Microsoft 365 Companion Apps
Microsoft just dropped three sleek new companion apps aimed at boosting your workflow. If you’re tired of juggling windows and losing focus, these apps might be your new best friends. Let’s dive into what they bring to the table.
What’s New?
Introducing People, File Search, and Calendar companion apps. These aren’t your typical bulky Microsoft tools. Instead, they’re compact, fast, and designed to keep you in the zone without switching context.
Shilpa Patel, Microsoft 365 Product Manager, puts it perfectly:
“Think of the Microsoft 365 Companion apps as your personal productivity pit crew.”
Just like a Formula 1 team keeps the car running smoothly, these apps work behind the scenes to keep you organized and efficient.
Major Updates and Features
- People: Quickly find colleagues, see contextual info, and send messages without leaving your current screen.
- File Search: Search files beyond just names, preview them instantly, and share without fuss.
- Calendar: Get a snapshot of your day or week, respond to invites, and manage chats effortlessly.
Each app opens with a single click, letting you grab what you need and bounce right back. No more tedious detours or losing your workflow.
Why It Matters
In today’s fast-paced work environment, every second counts. Constantly switching apps kills productivity and focus. These companion apps minimize distractions by staying accessible on your taskbar.
Patel highlights:
“They are small (but still mighty!), allowing you to do your most common and repetitive actions, without losing the context of what’s on your screen.”
This means less time hunting for files or meetings and more time actually getting things done.
Availability and Getting Started
Currently, these apps are available for Windows 11 users with Microsoft 365 desktop apps installed. You must be part of the Microsoft 365 Insider program on the Current Channel (Preview) and use Enterprise or Business SKUs.
Admins can check out deployment and control options through Microsoft’s official admin resources.
Final Thoughts
If you’re all about maximizing productivity and minimizing distractions, these Microsoft 365 Companion apps are worth a look. They blend simplicity with power, helping you stay focused and organized all day long.
Don’t forget to share your feedback directly through the apps’ feedback buttons. Microsoft is eager to hear from users and improve the experience.
Ready to stay in the flow? These apps might just be the productivity boost you didn’t know you needed.
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