Reading time 6 minutes

We need your help!

Do you have 3 minutes to spare today?

We are looking for people working in the analytics field to complete our super short survey exploring tools, preferences, and career goals. Your insights will help us better understand industry trends and provide content that’s relevant to your work. Whether you're an Excel enthusiast, a Power BI pro, or a data visualisation newcomer, we’d love to hear from you! It only takes a few minutes, and your feedback will be invaluable in shaping future resources for our analytics community.

Check it out here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HW5ZMD7

Power BI November 2024 Updates: What’s New and Noteworthy

In November, Power BI rolled out a suite of updates that make it easier than ever to gain meaningful insights and leverage advanced data capabilities right where it counts.

A Boost in Mobility with Copilot on Power BI Mobile Apps

For professionals on the go, Power BI's Copilot has now joined the mobile app experience. By bringing AI-powered assistance to mobile, users can explore data insights on the fly, asking natural-language questions and receiving context-based answers instantly. This integration empowers decision-making, streamlining data access and insight generation in real-time.

Defining Measures with Quick Queries

Within the DAX Query View, users can right-click on a table, column, or existing measure in the Data pane to access the 'Quick Queries' option. This context menu provides various predefined queries, including the ability to define new measures. By selecting 'Define all measures in this model,' Power BI generates a DAX query that outlines all existing measures, facilitating a comprehensive view and enabling modifications or additions as needed.

Reporting Enhancements

The latest Power BI update introduces refined reporting tools to provide users with more control over data presentation and interpretation. New options allow for customisation of visuals, including advanced calculations and formatting. These improvements make Power BI’s reporting capabilities even more adaptable, giving analysts more precision and clarity when creating dashboards that align with their audience's needs.

Path Layer for Azure Map Visual

Power BI's Azure Map visual now includes a Path layer, empowering users to draw connections between multiple locations. This feature enables enhanced geospatial analysis, perfect for mapping delivery routes, tracking supply chains, or visualising movement patterns. It’s an especially valuable tool for industries focused on logistics, transportation, or any field that relies on a clear view of spatial relationships.

Visual Calculations (Preview)

Visual calculations bring added flexibility to data analytics by allowing users to create dynamic calculations directly within visuals. This feature, currently in preview, empowers users to tailor calculations without the need to alter the underlying data model, making on-the-spot analysis easier and more intuitive. Whether it’s for comparing performance metrics or adjusting forecasts, visual calculations open up new possibilities for data exploration.

Small Multiples for the New Card Visual (Preview)

Another exciting addition in preview is small multiples for card visuals. This allows for compact, multi-category analysis by showing a set of card visuals side by side for different data groups, ideal for comparing key performance indicators (KPIs) across departments, regions, or product lines. This feature supports enhanced at-a-glance insights, making it easier to track performance across various dimensions in a single view.

New Visual – Text Slicer (Preview)

The new Text Slicer, also in preview, is designed to refine how users filter and interact with text-based data. It provides a simple and effective way to search and select textual information within reports, adding a layer of interactivity that enhances user engagement. The Text Slicer is especially useful for filtering large datasets or reports with complex categories, helping users quickly locate the data they need.

Events and Learning Opportunities

Power BI’s updates align with several upcoming events and learning opportunities for users eager to stay ahead in the BI field:

• Ignite 2024 Chicago: From November 19-21, data enthusiasts will explore the latest in data-driven solutions, from application modernisation to data security and productivity enhancements.

• FabCon Las Vegas 2025: Mark your calendars for March 31 - April 2, 2025, for FabCon, focusing on Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, and AI. This community-driven event offers extensive sessions and networking options. Early bird tickets are available with discount codes.

• Microsoft Fabric Certification: A limited offer makes 5,000 DP-600 exam vouchers available to Fabric Community members, letting participants pursue the Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate certification, a notable credential for BI professionals.

These updates position Power BI as an increasingly indispensable tool for data-driven organisations, with fresh features for more seamless data management and robust analytics. Staying engaged with the latest releases and events is essential for anyone serious about excelling in data and analytics.

Share Your Top Tips!

Do you have any favourite tips, tricks, or best practices in analytics? We’d love to feature your insights in future editions! Whether it’s a Power BI shortcut, a data strategy tip, or advice for newcomers, your input could be invaluable to our community. And if you’d like to be featured in an interview, let us know – we’re always eager to spotlight voices from the field. Just hit reply to share!