The Microsoft Power Platform 2024 Release Wave 2 introduces a wide array of enhancements and new features across its suite, with general availability starting on October 1, 2024. This release focuses on empowering users through advanced AI integration, collaboration tools and improved user interfaces across Power Apps, Power Automate and more.
Let’s explore some of the key features that will be introduced within this release.
Power Apps: Canvas App Co-Authoring and More
One of the standout features in this release is the introduction of real-time co-authoring in Canvas apps. This feature allows multiple users to work simultaneously on the same app, significantly improving collaboration and reducing development time. Users can now collaborate in real time, ensuring that changes are instantly visible to all collaborators. This feature is particularly beneficial for teams working on complex apps, enabling faster iteration and more cohesive development.
Additionally, Power Apps will see a modernised user interface, especially beneficial in model-driven apps, enhancing usability and providing a more streamlined experience. Users will also gain new grid features to act on their data more efficiently and the ability to resize side panes for better workspace management.
Power BI: Enhanced Data Analytics Relocated
Traditionally, Power BI updates were included under the Power Platform release plan. However, Power BI is now part of Microsoft Fabric and now has its own separate release plan. The separate release plan allows for more focused updates that align with the advanced capabilities of Microsoft Fabric, ensuring that Power BI continues to evolve as a leading tool for business intelligence and analytics. You can read more about the separate release plan here.
Power Automate: Enhanced Workflow Integration
Power Automate is set to receive features that deepen its integration with other Microsoft tools. For instance, the ability to create flows directly within Excel will be available by December 2024, allowing users to automate processes within their familiar spreadsheet environment. Additionally, Power Automate will support workflow automation linked to calendar events in Teams and Outlook, enhancing productivity by enabling users to manage tasks directly from their calendars.
Power Pages: Enhanced Web Development and Security
Power Pages will also see significant improvements. The updates are focused towards enhancing security, performance and user experience. These enhancements will make it easier for organisations to build and manage secure, scalable web applications that can handle enterprise-level demands. The latest wave will have the ability to scan files for malware making sites safer for businesses and customers.
Copilot: AI-Driven Assistance Across the Platform
Another standout feature across the Microsoft Power Platform in this release is the expanded role of Copilot. This AI-powered assistant is now more deeply integrated across Power Apps, Power Automate, Power Fabric (including Power BI) and Power Pages. Copilot helps users by providing intelligent suggestions, automating routine tasks and even generating code snippets or workflows based on natural language inputs.
Final Thoughts
The Release Wave 2 represents a significant leap forward for the Microsoft Power Platform. With enhanced collaboration features in Power Apps and deeper workflow integrations in Power Automate, this update will make digital transformation more accessible and efficient for businesses of all sizes. These improvements not only streamline processes but also empower users to leverage the full potential of their data and applications with greater ease.
As these features roll out through general accessibility, Power Platform users will find themselves better equipped to tackle complex business challenges with the robust tools provided by the Microsoft Power Platform.
For those interested in exploring these features in depth, read Microsoft’s official documentation and release notes.
