Microsoft has quietly released a new stand-alone AI chatbot app for Android without making any noise or sending out a corporate press release. This release from the Redmond, Washington-based tech giant, known as Copilot, was initially noticed by a Twitter user. It contributes to the growing category of AI-powered mobile apps, further broadening the range of choices that users can access right from their fingertips.
Microsoft’s most recent initiative to capitalize on its collaboration with top AI developer OpenAI is the Copilot app, which is currently accessible on the Google Play Store. The GPT-Vision image analysis features are combined with the advanced language and image generation capabilities of GPT-4 and DALL-E 3 in the Copilot app. That is to say, the new Copilot claims to produce text responses that are just as sophisticated as those produced by ChatGPT Plus and just as stunning as those produced by OpenAI’s premium service.
Users of the app can ask sophisticated questions, create images, and draft documents—all AI-enhanced tasks. It appears to be an evolution of the previous standalone Bing search app.
Microsoft houses all of its AI-powered services under the Copilot brand. Its coding assistant, its now-deprecated virtual assistant Cortana, and its chatbot and web search powered by AI are now all part of the Copilot product family.
Notably, Copilot for Android offers sophisticated AI capabilities without charge, in contrast to ChatGPT Plus’s subscription-based business model. By positioning Microsoft’s offering as a strong rival to other free or integrated assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Samsung’s Bixby, the company is making a strategic shift in the competitive landscape.
A major benefit for individuals who wish to test the newest AI model without shelling out a lot of money for a subscription is that Copilot is powered right out of the box by GPT-4, a more recent version renowned for its sophisticated understanding and response capabilities.
Although the Copilot app is only available for Android users, rumors that an iOS version will be released soon haven’t stopped, especially considering how much of the market Apple occupies and how important it is from a strategic standpoint to reach as many users as possible. The original ChatGPT app from OpenAI experienced a similar situation when it was first released on iOS and then ported to Android.
Decrypt got in touch with Microsoft to inquire about the app’s details and to find out if an iOS version would be available. However, an automated email response from Microsoft states that their media relations office is taking a “wellness break,” so they chose not to respond.
The industry is enjoying a rapid diversification of offerings and a race towards more advanced, user-centric solutions as traditional virtual assistants face new competitors. There are a ton of other apps available on the market, ranging from general assistants like ChatGPT and Copilot to chatbots like Poe and Replika.
AI integrations have also expanded the functionality of numerous well-known apps, including Facetune, Deepl, Grammarly, and Duolingo. These services have improved user experiences by utilizing the power of generative AI. Users can now receive better translations, make better image edits, receive better advice, and receive overall better outputs in every mode.
