New Delhi | Updated Jan 03, 2024, 5:21 PM IST
Microsoft has launched its revamped and enhanced Copilot chatbot and artificial intelligence (AI) assistant on both iOS and Android platforms. Previously known as Bing Chat, Copilot aims to provide real-time intelligent assistance, leveraging AI for tasks ranging from information retrieval to image creation. The app, available for free, integrates advanced language models such as GPT-4 and DALL-E3, offering users a powerful tool to enhance productivity, creativity, and skills.
Microsoft Copilot, introduced on February 7, 2023, was initially a built-in feature for Microsoft Bing and Microsoft Edge. Now available as a dedicated app, it operates similarly to OpenAI’s ChatGPT mobile app.
Key Features and Capabilities of Microsoft Copilot:
- Versatile Assistance: Microsoft Copilot functions as a multi-faceted AI chatbot, assisting users in tasks like writing emails, creating summaries, and generating images using DALL-E3, a text-to-image tool.
- Language Model Integration: Users can leverage the power of GPT-4, the latest language model from OpenAI, without any cost. This integration surpasses the capabilities of ChatGPT, which offers GPT-3.5 for free.
- Ease of Use on Smartphones:
- Download the Copilot app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Review the terms of use and privacy statement before proceeding.
- Sign in to Copilot using a Microsoft account after granting necessary permissions.
- Interact with Copilot by providing text prompts or utilizing the image creator feature powered by DALL-E.
- Customizable Chatbot Tone: Users can personalize their interaction by choosing between balanced, creative, or precise tones within the chatbot.
- Integration with Office 365: Copilot seamlessly integrates into Microsoft’s Office 365 suite, providing AI benefits across applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Accessible Across Devices: Apart from the standalone app, Copilot is integrated into Office 365 and accessible on the desktop through copilot.microsoft.com. This ensures availability across a range of devices, including Windows computers, Macs, iPhones, and Android smartphones.
Future Considerations and Subscription Model: While Copilot is currently offered for free, similar to OpenAI’s initial approach with ChatGPT, there remains uncertainty about its long-term pricing strategy. OpenAI eventually introduced a paid subscription plan for a more advanced GPT version. Microsoft may follow a similar trajectory, introducing a subscription plan for Copilot in the future.
In addition to Copilot, Microsoft is actively pursuing AI-powered upgrades across its offerings. A recent rebranding of its internet browser as “AI Browser” on app stores signifies the company’s commitment to AI updates, reflecting a significant shift in its approach towards leveraging artificial intelligence technologies.
