Excel compatibility
Excel compatibility at Beyond Market Intelligence is a file of 32 stories. The newest of them: “Automated feature engineering evolves with genetic algorithms and open-source simplicity.”, “Microsoft retires COPILOT function while keeping its Copilot feature alive”, and “Why AI pipelines stumble and how DataFlow-Harness restores their power”. Feature engineering remains the quiet battleground where tabular ML models are won or lost. Microsoft's decision to retire the COPILOT worksheet function on 14 September is striking, precisely because the company rarely abandons backward compatibility. Acme AI is the next-generation, AI-powered spreadsheet platform built to replace Excel and redefine how analysts, data scientists, and enterprise teams work… The list below is every Excel compatibility story on Beyond Market Intelligence, newest first.
Automated feature engineering evolves with genetic algorithms and open-source simplicity.
Feature engineering remains the quiet battleground where tabular ML models are won or lost. py-evoFE (v0.3.0) takes a different path: genetic algorithms that evolve compact, high-impact feature recipes instead of brute-forcing thousands of noisy combinations. Its hierarchical chaining, Polars-powered vectorization, and multi-fidelity screening are thoughtful engineering. For anyone tired of manual transformations or explosive feature spaces, this library invites exploration. It is practical, open-source, and built for the workflows teams actually use. That is worth a closer look.
Microsoft retires COPILOT function while keeping its Copilot feature alive
Microsoft's decision to retire the COPILOT worksheet function on 14 September is striking, precisely because the company rarely abandons backward compatibility. The Copilot feature itself remains, so this isn't a retreat from AI assistance. It's a targeted removal of a function that likely saw limited, awkward adoption. Have you used it? If so, for what? I'm curious whether anyone genuinely relied on it, or if it was always a novelty.
Why AI pipelines stumble and how DataFlow-Harness restores their power
AI coding agents write clean one-off scripts, but hand them a full data pipeline and the output often falls apart. That gap between free-form code and production-ready workflows is real, and researchers are finally attacking it. DataFlow-Harness, an open-source framework from Peking University and collaborators, steers LLMs toward structured, visual pipeline graphs instead of disposable scripts. The results speak for themselves: a 93.3% pass rate, 72.5% lower API costs, and pipelines engineers can actually audit.
Agent-as-a-Router brings dynamic intelligence to enterprise AI model selection.
Static routing has a blind spot: it never sees whether a model actually succeeded. ACRouter fixes that by letting the router learn on the job. Its C-A-F loop tracks execution outcomes, turning each failure into a smarter decision. The result is a 2.6x cost saving over Opus-only setups, with no accuracy sacrifice. This is a practical step toward self-optimizing AI infrastructure. For teams tired of hard-coded rules, it's worth exploring how this approach fits your stack.
Google's TabFM predicts on unseen tables without per-dataset training.
Google Research’s TabFM offers a transformative approach to tabular data prediction, bypassing the traditional need for per-dataset training. This innovative foundation model treats tabular prediction as an in-context learning problem, enabling instant predictions on unseen tables with a single API call – a significant acceleration for enterprise developers. By synthesizing strengths from prior architectures, TabFM preserves data structure and unlocks scalable zero-shot prediction, potentially redefining data workflows.
Discover how flexible text matching simplifies your spreadsheet workflows.
To accommodate users belonging to multiple regions, your existing formula requires modification. Given your preference for a single "Region" column with delimited values (e.g., "Hawaii and Okinawa"), adjust the formula in column V to: `=IF(AND(ISNUMBER(SEARCH(V$36,C39)),NOT(V$36="")),"Yes","")`. This utilizes the `SEARCH` function, which returns a number if the text in V$36 is found within C39, enabling partial matches. For the "Region 2" column approach, a similar formula can be applied to the new column, referencing the appropriate region field. See
Google delivers faster, cost-effective image generation for enterprise teams
Google today introduces Nano Banana 2 Lite (NB2 Lite), designated Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite Image, a significant advancement in AI image generation designed for enterprise efficiency. This model delivers images in a remarkably fast 4 seconds at a competitive $0.034 per 1,000 images. Optimized for high-throughput workflows, NB2 Lite outperforms its predecessor while offering cost savings compared to other Gemini models. Explore its capabilities now via Google AI Studio, the Gemini API, and GEAP—a practical solution for rapid prototyping and automated asset generation.
Explore how DeepSeek's DSpark framework accelerates AI inference by 85 percent.
DeepSeek has open-sourced DSpark, a new framework poised to significantly accelerate large language model (LLM) inference by up to 85%. This MIT-licensed system optimizes speed by employing a "scout" that anticipates likely text paths, allowing the LLM to quickly verify and proceed. The release, including technical papers and codebases, aims to address a key challenge in AI deployment – efficiently serving large models for real-time user experiences.
Enterprise AI imagery finds its own voice with faster, open-weight generation
Enterprise-grade AI image generation in just 2 seconds is now a reality with Krea 2 Raw and Turbo, available as open weights under a custom license. Addressing concerns that AI imagery often lacks originality, Krea’s new models offer greater visual variety, prompt accuracy, and crucial customization capabilities for brands. Krea 2 Turbo’s remarkable 2-second generation speed surpasses competitors, while Krea 2 Raw provides a flexible foundation for training custom models.
Future-Proof Your Excel Skills: VBA or Office Scripts?
Navigating the world of Excel automation can feel complex, especially with evolving technologies. You're weighing VBA, a familiar tool embraced by your GM, against the future-focused potential of Office Scripts. While aligning with your manager’s expertise offers immediate benefit, consider that Office Scripts provide greater cloud compatibility and represent Microsoft’s direction. Explore both options to discover a solution that balances current needs with long-term productivity gains and empowers your data journey.
Map Testing Dates Across Locations with Simple Precision
Identifying the appropriate sequence of collection dates for sample points in your data can enhance your analysis of testing results. Given the need for samples to be spaced between 2-4 calendar months and collected across each calendar quarter, a systematic approach is crucial. Start by extracting unique month numbers for each Master ID and Sample Point ID, then compare these to acceptable sequences. This method streamlines the identification of compliant sample points while highlighting any data gaps.
Discover how array functions can simplify your spreadsheet logic today
In exploring the potential of the SWITCH function, we uncover a transformative approach to conditional logic in spreadsheets. While many users lean on IF and IFS statements, SWITCH offers a streamlined alternative that simplifies your formulas. This shift aligns with the principle of employing sufficient conditions, encouraging an aspirational mindset for more efficient data management. However, it's essential to weigh the benefits against potential downsides, such as backward compatibility and file size.
Discover how Android spreadsheet apps now empower your mobile data workflow.
Are you searching for the best Excel or spreadsheet app for Android in 2026? With the rise of mobile work, many users are looking for robust solutions to handle quick edits, reports, and data analysis on the go. Recent advancements in Android spreadsheet apps have introduced impressive features like OCR for photo-to-Excel conversion, pivot tables, and enhanced .xlsx compatibility. As I explore various options, I want to hear from the community: Which apps are you using, and what have been your experiences?
Why Copying an Empty Cell Can Lock Up Your Spreadsheet
If you've experienced high CPU usage while copying cells in Excel, you're not alone. This issue can spike CPU usage above 50% for several seconds, even with empty cells, and it often occurs in specific files. The culprit is the animated "marching ants" effect that Excel uses, which requires constant graphics calculations. If your display scaling is set to 125%, it complicates these calculations, leading to performance issues. Fortunately, there are three effective solutions to resolve this problem and restore smooth operation.
Discover how RL Conductor adapts your AI workflows to shifting data
Sakana AI has introduced the "RL Conductor," a 7 billion parameter model that revolutionizes how multiple language models, including GPT-5 and Claude Sonnet 4, collaborate through automated orchestration. By utilizing reinforcement learning, the Conductor dynamically analyzes input and assigns tasks to the most suitable models, effectively overcoming the limitations of rigid, hard-coded pipelines.
Building Local-First Web Apps Without the Hype
In 2026, the landscape of web development is evolving, and local-first applications are at the forefront of this transformation. This perspective offers seasoned developers an honest look at the architecture of local-first web apps, addressing common skepticism surrounding quick fixes and silver bullets. By exploring the benefits and challenges of this approach, we aim to empower developers to navigate the complexities of modern web architecture with confidence. Join us in discovering how local-first strategies can enhance user experiences and redefine productivity in web development.
From spreadsheets to schedules: automate your calendar with AI
If you're looking to streamline your scheduling process for your window cleaning business, automating the transfer of data from your Excel sheet to a compatible calendar app can be a game-changer. By integrating these tools, you can effortlessly keep track of your appointments, ensuring that important details like job dates, times, and client information are always at your fingertips. This approach not only enhances your productivity but also allows you to focus more on delivering excellent service rather than managing your schedule.
Migrating from Sheets to Excel without losing your nested arrays
If you're transitioning a complex formula from Google Sheets to Excel, you may encounter compatibility issues, particularly with nested arrays. This often results in error messages like “Nested Arrays are not supported” and displays as #### in the cells. To solve this, you need to adapt your formula into a non-nested format suitable for Excel while maintaining its functionality. In this guide, we will explore methods to convert your existing formula into an Excel-compatible version, ensuring your timeline of operation periods remains accurate and dynamic.
Stop the Daily Compatibility Checker Pop-Up for Good
Are you frustrated by the persistent compatibility checker notifications while using your XLSX and XLSM files? It can be particularly annoying when unchecking the option only provides temporary relief. While many suggest converting files or strictly using XLSX formats, those solutions may not be available in your case. If your files are stored on a shared drive, that could also contribute to the issue. Let’s explore potential fixes to help you eliminate these pop-ups for good, ensuring a smoother experience with your files.
Why Row Heights Differ Across Excel and Break Your Page Layouts
Are you experiencing pagination issues in Excel due to row height mismatches between different platforms? A user has reported that Excel files hosted on SharePoint appear correctly in Excel Web and on office PCs, but not on their home desktop. The core problem lies in the row height rendering: while it displays as 18 points in the office, it converts to approximately 0.64 cm on the home PC, leading to layout shifts.
Open source AI accelerates as GLM-5.1 brings capable coding to everyone.
Today marks a significant milestone in artificial intelligence as Z.ai unveils GLM-5.1, an open-source large language model designed for eight-hour autonomous tasks. This model outperforms competitors like Opus 4.6 and GPT-5.4 on SWE-Bench Pro, showcasing its advanced capabilities in coding and engineering tasks. Released under a permissive MIT License, GLM-5.1 empowers enterprises to customize and utilize its features for commercial applications. As China re-emerges in the open-source AI landscape, GLM-5.1 positions Z.ai as a leader in
Turn team chat into a secure foundation for your AI agents
Imagine a workspace where your Teams or Slack messages seamlessly transform into secure context for your AI agents. PromptQL is redefining the digital workspace by addressing the inefficiencies of traditional tools, turning casual conversations into actionable insights. This AI-native platform captures team interactions organically, creating a shared memory that enhances collaboration and productivity. By automating task assignments and maintaining a living internal wiki, PromptQL empowers organizations to move beyond mere communication, fostering a future-focused environment where AI and human efforts align effortlessly.
WPS Office Spreadsheets proves Excel alternatives can feel familiar and powerful.
Exploring alternatives to Microsoft Excel can feel daunting, especially for those deeply entrenched in its ecosystem. Recently, I began testing WPS Office Spreadsheets, anticipating a simplified version of Excel. To my surprise, it closely resembles Excel, effectively handling my .xlsx files and maintaining functionality with formulas and lookups. With support for various Excel formats and a vast array of formulas, WPS seems capable of meeting most typical spreadsheet needs.
Explore if WPS Office matches Excel for your most complex formulas
When considering a switch from Microsoft Excel to WPS Office Spreadsheets, it’s crucial to assess how well WPS handles Excel formulas and overall compatibility. Users heavily reliant on complex formulas need assurance that their existing spreadsheets will function seamlessly. Key concerns include the support for intricate Excel functions and whether WPS can accurately process complex formulas without breaking existing workflows. Additionally, understanding how well WPS preserves formatting and functionality when opening Excel files is essential for a smooth transition.