Microsoft Power BI Desktop | Latest Updates

From a 'first' for analytics to net connector and custom visual additions, the latest updates for Microsoft Power BI Desktop scream "all new" for a greatly enhanced experience. Here is what's new:

Reporting: Better looks, smoother approach

There's an updated filter pane which boosts accessibility.

You can now cross-highlight on a single point on in-line charts to filter on the category and the individual date.

Visual borders have a great new look with a rounded edges, creating a smoother look.

It's out with manual changes for visuals – a simple update of the default visual interaction allows you to cross-filter.

Analytics: first-of-a-kind visualizer

Improvements to the Python & R script editor mean that they now use the same script editor as the DAX formula bar. New to Q&A are insights-related questions and auto-generated suggested questions for the explorer, although you can still add your own queries if need be. The real breakthrough is the AI visualization – it's the first in a planned key influencer visual series.

Custom visuals: free-to-download advanced features

A focused move to promote visuals with advanced features, had brought you 10 new, free-to-download custom visuals (in-app purchases are recommended to get the most out of their full functionality). And here they are:

• Advanced donut visual

• Advanced combo visual

• Advanced timeseries visual

• Advanced network visual

• 3AG systems - line chart with absolute variance

• Summary table

• KPImg

• Ultimate KPI card

• Violin plot

Data connectivity: new & improved

From this month, you have new and improved Live connect and DirectQuery error messages along with the five new partner-developed and maintained net connectors listed here:

• Guidanz' BI Connector for OBIEE

• Microsoft Graph security

• Kronos workforce dimensions

• MarkLogic

• Qubole Presto

• SurveyMonkey

• Sagra Emigo

• Quick Base