ChatGPT may soon rival Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint with new Office tools

OpenAI

OpenAI is reportedly working on new ChatGPT features that could reduce users’ dependence on Microsoft’s Office suite — particularly Excel and PowerPoint — by letting them generate and edit spreadsheets and presentations natively inside ChatGPT. That’s according to The Information, which cited a source familiar with the company’s plans.

The new tools, currently under development, would enable users to create files in open-source formats that are fully compatible with Microsoft’s productivity apps. Crucially, they would do this without needing access to Microsoft software. Instead, buttons within the ChatGPT interface would guide users through creating or editing spreadsheet and presentation files, directly inside the chatbot environment, as per the report.

OpenAI is also reportedly building more advanced “agents” — AI-driven tools capable of performing complex, multi-step tasks. These include generating reports from corporate or public datasets, scheduling meetings, and even carrying out basic internet actions. If these agents roll out successfully, they could transform how ChatGPT is used in office workflows, from administrative assistance to data analysis.

Though there’s no word yet on an official launch date, the decision to support open file formats means OpenAI doesn’t need Microsoft’s permission to build this functionality. That could prove to be a serious headache for Microsoft and Google, both of which rely on business subscriptions to their productivity tools as major revenue streams.

The reportedly under works tools come at a time where there have been reports about tensions brewing between Microsoft and OpenAI. However, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has squashed those rumours.

The report notes that the features have limitations — for now. Performance could be slow, and key functions like real-time collaboration or cloud storage are absent.

If OpenAI solves those issues, ChatGPT could become more than just a chatbot — it could evolve into a lightweight productivity platform, capable of handling everyday office tasks without ever opening Excel or PowerPoint.