Microsoft continues to push the boundaries of accessibility and inclusivity in its products. A new roadmap entry for Microsoft 365 Copilot reveals that users will soon be able to dictate prompts in Copilot Chat using speech. This feature, rolling out in March 2025, may seem like a small addition, but it has the potential to make a big impact.
Typing isn’t always the best, or even possible, option for everyone. People with mobility challenges, dyslexia, or other disabilities often rely on voice input to interact with digital tools. By enabling speech-based prompts, Microsoft is making Copilot more accessible to a wider range of users.
For professionals with limited hand mobility, voice input removes barriers to productivity. For those who process information better through speech than text, it can be a game-changer. And for anyone who simply prefers speaking over typing, it adds a faster and more natural way to interact with AI.
Not just accessibility
This update isn’t just about accessibility, it is also about expanding the way everyone is using Copilot. Imagine the following:
- Hands-free efficiency: A busy co-worker on the move can dictate AI prompts instead of stopping to type.
- Multitasking: Employees can interact with Copilot while working on something else.
- Faster data entry for frontline workers: Employees can use voice dictation to interact with Copilot without needing a keyboard.
Voice input is one more step towards making AI a seamless part of daily work.
According to me, this feature is yet another sign that Microsoft is making inclusivity a priority. I have seen a steady stream of accessibility improvements across Microsoft 365, from immersive reader tools to AI-driven captioning and transcription. By making Copilot more voice-friendly, Microsoft is making sure that AI is accessible to everyone, not just those who can type easily.
Copilot for everyone
AI should be easy to use for everyone, and speech input in Copilot is a step in the right direction whether it is for accessibility, efficiency, or just convenience, this update makes Copilot more useful for more people.
What are your thoughts on this feature? Let me know in the comments below.
