Microsoft has announced a major update across its Microsoft Power BI platform. All new tools were unveiled at Microsoft’s Business Applications Summit 2020, which was held online. The company says the new tools are designed to further a drive towards data culture.
With PowerPoint for Data, Microsoft has added a new lasso visual and shadow effects. The lasso has launched immediately, which the shadow effects will arrive later in May.
During the Business Applications Summit, Microsoft pointed to major customers who are standardizing their data through Power BI. Among them are T-Mobile and Humana. Microsoft says more customers are exploring the platform during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Power BI is also receiving improved artificial intelligence features. Specifically, Microsoft says its decomposition trees features will land in general availability this month. Furthermore, Redmond is planning a sneak peek of smart narratives, a tool that allows users to add and changes automatically created narratives.
Upcoming Tools
Microsoft wants Power BI to become more deeply integrated into the data workings of organizations. To help drive the goal, the company has other updates in the pipeline. For example, Power BI in Microsoft Teams has been updated including a new preview and tab link.
Later this month, Teams will receive new data protection tools from BI.
Looking ahead, Microsoft also has plans for deeper integration of BI into Excel. The company says a feature coming later this year will connect datasets without needing to leave Excel. Other tools on the horizon also include DirectQuery for Common Data Service and Power Automate.
If you want to learn more about the new Microsoft Power BI features, check out Microsoft’s official blog here.
