On September 13th, 2023 Not a Pickle Blog held its first Webinar reviewing Microsoft Wave 2 Release Plans for the Power Platform and Business Central. Below is a brief overview of features that were discussed during the webinar. Please note that features discussed are cherry picked to stay within webinar time constraints and projected impact on the Power Platform and Business Central.

Wave 2 Release Timeline

A Wave Release in the context of Microsoft refers to a scheduled rollout of new features, updates, and improvements across their software products and services. These releases typically occur in waves, gradually reaching different regions and user groups over a specified period. This approach allows Microsoft to ensure the stability and quality of their updates before a full-scale deployment, minimizing the risk of widespread issues. It is essential because it enables Microsoft to deliver a seamless and reliable user experience while staying responsive to evolving user needs and technological advancements. Wave Releases also provide users with access to the latest innovations and security enhancements, helping them stay productive and secure in today’s rapidly changing digital landscape. Wave Release 2 happens annually between October and March. Some features during this time becoming Generally Available or Public Preview.

Wave 2 Release for the Power Platform and Business Central focused on the following invesment areas:

• Generative AI
• Data
• User Experience and Collaboration
• Application
• Security and Governance

Power Platform Wave 2 Release Plan Highlights

The Power Platform had extensive Release Wave 2 plans. Please note that the features highlighted in this section represent a curated selection of the most intriguing additions. It’s important to keep in mind that this section does not encompass the full spectrum of the Power Platform. Specifically, we’re focusing on Power Apps, Power BI, and Power Pages. Explore the entirety of the Power Platform Wave 2 Release on Microsoft Learn or download the attached PDF Documentation for a comprehensive view of what is new and coming.

Power Apps

Power Apps had quite a lot of exciting updates. Here are my highlights:

App Designer UI and UX Enhancements (Modern Apps)

• Screen layout templates will have pre-configured layouts for multiple form factors, enabling makers to quickly create apps for any device. (Public Preview March 2024).
• While creating their app, makers will have the ability to preview how the app will reformat for various screen sizes. (Public Preview March 2024).

UI for Model Driven Apps

• New Layouts, Themes, and Colors (Microsoft Fluent). (General Availability Oct 2023)

Copilot for App Makers and Users 

• In Power Apps Studio, makers can use Copilot to build and edit apps using natural language. (Public Preview Oct 2023).
• Write Power Fx formulas with Copilot. (Public Preview Oct 2023).

Power Apps Wave 2 General Thoughts: These updates will improve usability, functionality, and performance. I am specifically looking forward to Copilot and AI enhancements as features roll into the Power Platform in the era of AI. I believe that AI will encourage App Makers to adapt to AI practices that will ultimately create a better experience for the end user. With Wave Release 2, Power Apps is becoming a more accessible tool that will surely empower App Makers new and old to continue to create innovative, advanced solutions.

Power BI

Power BI has some major updates coming. I chose to focus on the following areas: Power BI Service, Sharing, and Query View. If you would like to stay up to date with Power BI Updates, check out the Power BI Release Plan.

Power BI Service

• Homepage experience coming to Power BI Desktop that resembles the 365 suites. Bridge between Service and Desktop. (Public Preview Mar 2024).
• All Connectors available in Desktop will be coming to Service to create semantic models. (Public Preview Mar 2024).

Sharing

• Copy and Paste Power BI Visuals into 365 documents using Microsoft Loop (Dynamic Activity still enabled) . (Public Preview Mar 2024).
• Save, share, and view Power BI files using OneDrive and SharePoint by default sans Power BI Service publication. (General Availability Mar 2024).

DAX Queries with Query View

• Embedded Query Tool. (Public Preview Mar 2024).

Power BI Wave 2 General Thoughts: As a Power BI Girly and someone who is passionate about educating on Power BI, these updates are simply captivating. I am looking forward to exploring these features in more detail when most of them are released in Public Preview March 2024.

Power Pages

Power Pages had quite a lot of updates. As the newest component of the Power Platform, I am not surprised at the vast variety of updates coming. The areas I chose to focus on was Administration, Design and Collaboration, and Copilot.

Administration 

• Enable Managed Environments provides a packaged offering of advanced governance and security offerings to effectively run sensitive workloads. (Public Preview Nov 2023).
• New views available for service admins on the Power Platform admin center. As a service admin, you’ll get a quick snapshot view in one place for tracking security needs and get runtime analytics for your websites. (Filtered at a tenant, environment, and website level). (General Availability Oct 2023).

Design Studio and Collaboration 

• Commenting as an enabled collaboration method. (Public Preview Nov 2023).

Copilot 

• Create a Website. (Public Preview Oct 2023).
• Address Builder Challenges using Builder Q&A. (Public Preview Oct 2023).
• Copilot Actions. (Public Preview Mar 2024).

Power Pages Wave 2 Release General Thoughts: As someone who hasn’t yet dipped their toes into Power Pages much, I am excited to begin my Power Pages journey and watch as these features evolve the user experience on the Developer side and the End User Side.

Business Central Wave 2 Release Plan Highlights

Business Central had extensive Release Wave 2 plans. Please note that the features highlighted in this section represent a curated selection of the most intriguing additions. Explore the entirety of the Business Central Wave 2 Release on Microsoft Learn.

Due to time constraints of this Webinar, we focused heavily on the following. areas:

• Application
• User Experience Improvments
• Governance and Administation
• Power Platform, Microsoft 365, and Copilot

In the context of Wave Release 2 for Business Central, let’s highlight the most prominent features that are set to make a significant impact. These standout additions have been carefully selected to showcase the essence of this release, offering users an exciting glimpse into the innovative advancements within the platform.

Application

• Configure how to handle different warehouse operations.
• Use advanced pick and put-away features in basic warehouse configurations.
• Analyze, group, and pivot data on queries using multiple tabs.

User Experience

• Get to data search from anywhere in Business Central
• Customize field editability from UI
• Business Central Mobile app improvements
• Show related details from Lookup
• Enhancements to Edit in Excel Functionality

Governance and Administration

• Granular administration as Dynamics 365 Business Central Administrator
• Transfer environments between Microsoft Entra tenants
• Control partner access per environment
• Cloud migration improvements

Business Central Wave 2 General Thoughts: In essence, the Wave 2 Release for Business Central is a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive and user-centric solution. From warehouse management improvements that redefine efficiency to search enhancements that unlock the power of data, and the app updates that put control in the palm of your hand, this release sets a new standard for business software, helping organizations thrive and excel in an increasingly competitive landscape.

While this blog post provides a concise list of featured items, we understand that you may desire more in-depth insights and explanations. To delve further into each of these exciting features, we invite you to explore our comprehensive YouTube recording of the live webinar. There, Gino Pack and I elaborate on each aspect, offering a detailed and informative exploration of the enhancements and capabilities that await you in this release.