Custom Tools and Rich UI for App-Based Conversations Are Now in Public Preview

Key Takeaways

• Microsoft's public preview introduces customizable tools and enhanced UI options for app-based conversations, focusing on improved JSON data handling and presentation.

• The JsonReaderOptions struct allows developers to define JSON reading behaviors, such as permitting trailing commas and managing comments, to ensure data consistency.

• Using JsonWriterOptions, developers can customize JSON writing with features like indentation and depth control, enhancing readability of output data.

• Custom converters in JsonSerializerOptions enable developers to tailor serialization processes, facilitating the handling of complex data types within app-based conversations.

• Developers can leverage these tools to create dynamic, user-friendly conversational interfaces, significantly enhancing user experience and developer control.

• The public preview is an opportunity for developers to test new features and provide valuable feedback to Microsoft, shaping future enhancements.

• These changes align with Microsoft's strategy to enhance app-based conversational tools, promoting better integration and richer user interactions.

What Happened

Microsoft has announced the public preview of new custom tools and rich UI features tailored for app-based conversation development as of May 3, 2026. These innovations aim to significantly enhance the flexibility and readability of JSON data handling within conversational applications, an essential aspect for developers striving to create dynamic and efficient user experiences.

Among the noteworthy introductions is the JsonReaderOptions Struct, a tool designed to provide developers with enhanced control over JSON parsing. This struct includes options such as AllowMultipleValues, which permits the parsing of multiple top-level JSON values separated by whitespace, and AllowTrailingCommas, allowing the use of trailing commas in JSON lists. Additionally, developers can set the MaxDepth property to define the maximum depth of JSON reading, defaulting to 64.

Complementing these parsing enhancements are the features of the JsonWriterOptions Struct. It enables developers to produce well-structured and readable JSON outputs with options such as Indented for formatting with indentation, thereby improving the user experience through better readability. Developers can also customize the indentation character and size, with default settings of a space and two spaces respectively, along with setting a MaxDepth of up to 1000 to accommodate complex JSON structures.

These features are part of Microsoft's broader initiative to enhance the capabilities of app-based conversation platforms. By allowing for more granular control over JSON data handling, developers can better manage complex data types, ensuring that app-based conversations are both robust and adaptable to varied user interactions. This aligns with Microsoft's ongoing efforts to integrate AI and improve user experiences across its platforms.

What Changed

Microsoft has recently rolled out new updates that significantly enhance the capabilities for developers working on app-based conversations. These updates include the introduction of new JSON handling options and improved tools for creating rich user interfaces, all currently available in public preview.

JsonReaderOptions Struct

The JsonReaderOptions struct offers developers more control over how JSON data is parsed. This is particularly useful in app-based conversation scenarios where JSON data is frequently exchanged. Key properties include AllowMultipleValues, which lets the Utf8JsonReader tolerate multiple top-level JSON values separated by whitespace. Additionally, the AllowTrailingCommas property permits extra commas at the end of JSON lists, enhancing flexibility in data handling.

Developers can configure these options in the following way:

var options = new JsonReaderOptions
{
    AllowMultipleValues = true,
    AllowTrailingCommas = true
};

JsonWriterOptions Struct

Enhancements to the JsonWriterOptions struct allow developers to produce well-structured, readable JSON outputs. This struct includes properties like Indented, which formats JSON with indentation for better readability, and IndentSize, which specifies the number of spaces used for each indentation level.

Here’s an example configuration:

var writerOptions = new JsonWriterOptions
{
    Indented = true,
    IndentSize = 4
};

Custom Converters

Custom converters are now easier to implement with the new JsonSerializerOptions.Converters property. This allows for tailored serialization and deserialization processes, enabling developers to handle complex data types effectively within app-based conversations.

An example of registering a custom converter is shown below:

var options = new JsonSerializerOptions();
options.Converters.Add(new CustomJsonConverter());

These updates provide developers with the tools needed to create more dynamic and user-friendly interfaces, significantly enhancing the development of app-based conversation solutions. For further details, refer to the Power Platform documentation.

Who This Affects

The recent public preview of custom tools and rich UI for app-based conversations is particularly impactful for developers creating conversational applications. It offers enhanced flexibility in JSON handling, allowing for more tailored and efficient data processing. Developers working with Microsoft's .NET 9.0 framework will find the enhanced JsonReaderOptions and JsonWriterOptions especially useful. These updates allow for custom behaviors in JSON reading and writing, such as supporting multiple top-level values and custom indentation, which can be critical for complex app scenarios.

Industries that rely heavily on chatbot technology, such as customer service, stand to benefit significantly from these enhancements. The ability to customize JSON parsing and writing means that chatbots can handle data more efficiently and present it in a user-friendly format, improving the overall user experience. For instance, customer service applications can now better manage complex user queries and deliver more precise responses, thanks to the improved data handling capabilities provided by these tools.

Organizations aiming to enhance their app-based communication interfaces will find these updates directly relevant. The flexibility offered by the new JSON handling options can lead to more responsive and visually appealing user interfaces. This is particularly important in sectors where user engagement and satisfaction are key metrics, such as in e-commerce and digital marketing. By leveraging the new custom converters, organizations can ensure that their data serialization processes are optimized for specific application needs, maintaining both performance and data integrity.

In summary, these updates are crucial for developers and industries focused on conversational AI and app-based interactions. By providing more control over data processing and presentation, Microsoft is enabling these stakeholders to innovate and improve their applications' capabilities. As these tools are currently in public preview, developers and organizations should explore how they can integrate these features into their existing workflows to maximize their benefits.

Impact Analysis

The introduction of custom tools and rich UI enhancements in the public preview significantly boosts the development and maintenance efficiency of app-based conversational interfaces. These updates, as part of the Dynamics 365 2026 Release Wave 1, provide developers with powerful new capabilities to handle complex data scenarios and improve overall app performance and user satisfaction.

For instance, with the new JsonReaderOptions struct, developers can now define specific behaviors for reading JSON data, allowing for more flexible data handling. This struct includes properties such as AllowMultipleValues and AllowTrailingCommas, which are critical for ensuring that applications can process JSON data accurately, even when it deviates from standard formats.

Furthermore, the enhancements in the JsonWriterOptions struct facilitate the creation of well-structured JSON outputs. By enabling options like Indented formatting, developers can ensure that JSON data is not only functional but also readable, which is crucial for debugging and further development.

Teams can now implement complex data handling scenarios more easily, directly impacting app performance and user satisfaction. For example, by utilizing JsonSerializerOptions.Converters, developers can register custom converters that handle unique serialization needs, ensuring that even the most complex data types are managed efficiently.

This advancement means that apps built within the Microsoft ecosystem can now support richer, more dynamic conversational experiences. These improvements are particularly valuable for enterprise-level applications where data complexity and user interaction are crucial. The enhancements align with Microsoft's commitment to empowering developers with tools that streamline creation processes and enhance application capabilities.

For more detailed technical insights, refer to the Power Automate documentation.

What You Should Do Now

With the introduction of custom tools and rich UI options for app-based conversations in public preview, developers and organizations can take several actionable steps to effectively leverage these enhancements.

Explore New JSON Handling Options

Developers should begin by exploring the new JSON handling options provided by the JsonReaderOptions and JsonWriterOptions structs. These options allow for greater flexibility in how JSON data is parsed and written, respectively. For example, the AllowTrailingCommas property in JsonReaderOptions can be enabled to accommodate trailing commas in JSON arrays, which can be common in data sourced from less strict APIs.

• Navigate to the configuration settings in your development environment to access JSON options.

• Enable or adjust properties like AllowTrailingCommas and MaxDepth to suit your application's needs.

By integrating these options into ongoing projects, developers can enhance data handling capabilities, leading to more robust and error-tolerant applications.

Train Teams on New Features

Organizations should prioritize training sessions to familiarize their teams with these new features. Conduct workshops or webinars that delve into the practical applications of these JSON handling options and rich UI capabilities. This can include practical demonstrations on how to apply different JSON configurations using tools like Visual Studio Code.

• Schedule regular training sessions and use Microsoft Learn resources.

• Use internal projects as case studies during training to illustrate real-world applications.

A well-trained team can maximize the potential benefits of these enhancements, leading to more efficient and innovative solutions.

Provide Feedback During Public Preview

Feedback is crucial during the public preview phase. Organizations and developers should actively participate by providing insights and reporting any issues encountered. This feedback can help refine the tools and ensure they meet the community's needs.

• Use the feedback channels provided by Microsoft, such as the Microsoft Feedback Hub.

• Document any issues or suggestions with detailed examples to enhance the feedback process.

By engaging with the community and Microsoft through feedback, you can play a role in shaping the final release of these features.

Real-World Scenario: E-commerce Application

Consider an e-commerce application that handles large volumes of JSON data from various suppliers. Implementing the Indented property in JsonWriterOptions can significantly improve the readability of logs and debugging outputs. Meanwhile, MaxDepth can be set to prevent stack overflow errors during deep JSON parsing.

By applying these configurations, the development team can ensure that the application maintains performance and stability even when processing complex data structures. This real-world application demonstrates the importance of not only understanding these features but actively integrating them into your workflows.

Timeline and Rollout

The public preview of custom tools and rich UI for app-based conversations is now officially available, providing developers with an exciting opportunity to explore these enhancements before their general availability later in 2026. This preview phase is crucial for developers to gain early insights into the new features, allowing them to integrate and provide feedback that will shape the final release.

Microsoft has consistently emphasized the importance of community feedback during preview phases. By participating in the preview, developers can test the JsonReaderOptions struct and its properties like AllowMultipleValues and AllowTrailingCommas. This allows for custom behaviors when reading JSON data, providing greater flexibility and control over data handling within applications.

Furthermore, the public preview also includes the JsonWriterOptions struct, which allows developers to customize JSON writing behaviors. Key properties such as Indented and IndentCharacter enable the production of well-structured JSON outputs, improving readability and user experience.

Microsoft plans to transition these features from public preview to general availability by the end of 2026. This timeline underscores the company's commitment to refining these tools based on user feedback. During this period, developers are strongly encouraged to engage with the preview, which is accessible through the Microsoft Insider Program. Participation not only provides early access but also a platform to voice improvements and ensure alignment with real-world application needs.

In conclusion, the current public preview phase offers a significant opportunity for developers to adapt their existing workflows and prepare for the upcoming general release. Engaging with these tools now will ensure a smoother transition and allow developers to maximize the benefits of these new capabilities.

FAQ

When does this change take effect?

The public preview for custom tools and rich UI for app-based conversations began in April 2026. Developers can start experimenting with these features immediately. Microsoft plans to gather feedback during this preview phase to refine the tools before the official release. This feedback-driven approach allows Microsoft to address any issues that arise and make necessary adjustments. The general availability of these features is expected later in the year, likely aligning with the next release wave in October 2026.

Who is affected by this change?

This change primarily affects developers and organizations using Microsoft's Power Platform and Dynamics 365 for building conversational applications. The new JSON handling options, particularly the JsonReaderOptions and JsonWriterOptions, are designed to enhance the flexibility and performance of app-based conversations. Organizations that rely on these tools for customer interaction or internal communication will find immediate benefits. These updates are also relevant for developers focusing on JSON parsing and serialization tasks in their applications.

Do I need to take action now?

Immediate action is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for developers to begin exploring these features. Engaging with the preview allows developers to understand the capabilities and limitations of the new tools. Early adoption can provide valuable insights and feedback to Microsoft, helping shape the final product. Additionally, by familiarizing themselves with these updates now, developers can ensure a smoother transition when the features reach general availability.

Will this affect my existing setup?

Existing app-based conversations will not be immediately affected by these changes. The new JSON options are designed to enhance flexibility and are backward compatible. However, developers should test their applications with the new settings to ensure there are no unforeseen issues. It's also important to evaluate how these options can optimize current setups for improved performance and user experience.

What are the alternatives if I don't want to use these updates?

If you choose not to adopt these updates, you can continue using the existing JSON handling methods already integrated into your applications. However, it's worth noting that the new features offer enhanced control and performance that might not be available in older methods. As the ecosystem evolves, staying updated with the latest tools can provide competitive advantages and ensure compatibility with future Microsoft updates.

Is this available in my region?

The public preview of custom tools and rich UI for app-based conversations is available globally. Microsoft typically rolls out such previews to a wide audience to gather diverse feedback and ensure the tools are robust across different environments. It's advisable to check the Microsoft product pages for specific regional availability and any restrictions that might apply.

What should I do to prepare?

To prepare for these updates, developers should start by reviewing the official Microsoft documentation related to JSON handling. Engaging with the preview features in a test environment is crucial to understand their impact fully. Developers should also consider training sessions or workshops to get their teams up to speed with these new tools. Preparing a feedback mechanism to provide Microsoft with insights and experiences during the preview phase can also be beneficial.

What to Watch Next

As we look forward, it's crucial to monitor Microsoft's announcements for updates on the General Availability (GA) timelines of these new custom tools and rich UI features. Keeping abreast of these developments will ensure you can leverage these advancements as soon as they transition from public preview to full release.

Microsoft often follows a structured timeline for their release waves, usually in April and October each year, as seen with the 2026 Release Wave 1. It's advisable to regularly check Microsoft's product roadmap for any announcements regarding enhancements or new features in app-based conversation tools. This will not only prepare your team for upcoming changes but also provide strategic insights into Microsoft's direction and how it may align with your business objectives.

Another critical area to watch is the potential integration with other Microsoft technologies. As Microsoft continues to expand its ecosystem, these conversational tools may soon integrate with solutions like Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Microsoft Teams. For instance, imagine leveraging the new JSONReaderOptions struct within Power Automate to enhance data parsing capabilities in automated workflows.

Consider how these integrations could streamline workflows. The introduction of app-based conversations within Dynamics 365 Sales, for example, could facilitate more personalized customer interactions through AI-driven insights. Similarly, the SharePoint Framework (SPFx) version 1.23 emphasizes open-source tooling, potentially allowing for enhanced customization of conversational interfaces in SharePoint environments.

Staying informed and adaptable will be key. Regularly reviewing the Microsoft Tech Community discussions and updates can provide valuable insights from other professionals and Microsoft insiders alike. Engaging with these resources can offer practical strategies for implementing new features and maximizing their benefits across your Microsoft solutions.