Microsoft has again delayed the release of detection and question-and-answer functions for Teams Facilitator, an AI assistant that participates in meetings, The Register reported on Aug. 28.

The report said the functions were originally set for general availability in June. Microsoft added the functions to its roadmap in April and flagged a June release, but the schedule kept slipping to July, August and September. The latest schedule targets a November launch. Worldwide general availability is in mid-December.

Teams Facilitator attends meetings to track agenda items and, when activated, also writes meeting minutes.

The next step is a function that proposes the AI will appear on its own and offer to find an answer if no one responds to a question asked by a participant. For example, if someone asks, "What is this Teams Facilitator?" and no one answers, the facilitator displays a prompt offering to find an answer.

The reason for the delay is not clear.

Some analysis says it is difficult for AI to distinguish whether a pause in conversation is because participants do not know the answer or is simply silence. Another possibility being discussed is that an answer found through search may not fit the flow of the meeting.

The Register said it asked Microsoft about the reason for the delay but has not yet received a response.