With a bang — or corporate press release — Microsoft has quietly introduced a new standalone AI chatbot app for Android. Dubbed Copilot and first spotted by a Twitter user, this release from the Redmond-based tech behemoth adds to the growing field of AI-powered mobile apps, and continues to expand the variety of options users have access to in their apps. Can be accessed from the palm of your hand.
The Copilot app, now available on the Google Play Store, is Microsoft’s latest initiative to leverage its partnership with leading AI developer OpenAI. The Copilot app integrates the sophisticated language and imaging capabilities of GPT-4 and DALL-E 3 with the image analysis features of GPT-Vision. In other words, the all-new Copilot promises a comparable sophistication to ChatGPT Plus’s text responses, and images just as impressive as those created by OpenAI’s paid service.
The app, which looks like an evolution of the previous standalone Bing search app, allows users to engage in a variety of AI-enhanced tasks, from asking complex questions to creating visuals and drafting documents.
Copilot is the brand Microsoft uses for all its AI-powered services. Its coding assistant, its defunct virtual assistant Cortana, and its AI-powered web search and chatbot all now come under the Copilot umbrella as a single product.
Unlike the subscription-based model of ChatGPT Plus, the launch of Copilot for Android is particularly notable for providing advanced AI features at no cost. This approach marks a strategic pivot in the competitive landscape, positioning Microsoft’s offering as a powerful alternative to other free or integrated assistants such as Siri, Google Assistant, and Samsung’s Bixby.
The fact that Copilot is powered out of the gate by GPT-4—a recent iteration known for its finesse and responsiveness—is a huge plus for those who spend a lot of money on a subscription. Want to test the latest AI models without doing
While the Copilot app only caters to Android users, the absence of an iOS version hasn’t stopped speculation about its imminent arrival, especially given Apple’s operating system’s significant market share and wider potential user base. Given the strategic importance of reaching Something similar happened with OpenAI’s original ChatGPT app, which was first made available on iOS and then ported to Android.
Decrypt has reached out to Microsoft to ask for more information about the app and to confirm whether there will be an iOS release. Microsoft did not respond, however, saying their media relations office is taking a “wellness break,” according to an automated email response.
As traditional virtual assistants face new competitors, the industry is enjoying a rapid diversification of offerings and a race toward more innovative, user-centric solutions. There are many other apps on the market, from chatbots like Poe and Replika to general assistants like ChatGPT and Copilot.
Also, many existing and popular apps have enhanced their capabilities thanks to AI integration, such as Facetune, Deepl, Grammarly, and Duolingo. These services leverage the power of generative AI to provide a better user experience, allowing people to get better advice, better image editing, better translations, and overall better output in every mode. There is an opportunity to take advantage.
Edited by Ryan Ozawa.