Just days after releasing an Android version of its Copilot conversational AI app, Microsoft has now launched iOS and iPadOS versions as well. This allows iPhone and iPad users to access the same functionalities that were previously limited to Android devices.
The Copilot app for iOS and iPadOS appears to be an exact replica of the Android version and is also free to use.
The same rules apply: you can use it in a limited fashion without logging in, but signing into a Microsoft account unlocks more prompts and features, including image generation capabilities.
What Does the Copilot App Offer?
The Copilot app provides users with an AI chatbot that can understand questions and requests typed in natural language.
It then provides detailed responses, often with additional links and footnotes, to provide transparency into its knowledge sources.
Key features of Copilot include:
- Conversational AI that gives human-like responses to queries
- Connectivity to live internet data for up-to-date information
- Ability to help with creative writing, complex math problems, coding, and more
- Integration with Bing’s Image Creator (DALLE-3) to generate images from text prompts
- Access to OpenAI’s powerful GPT-4 model for improved responses (with Microsoft account login)
Rebranding from Bing Chat to Copilot
In early February 2022, Microsoft unveiled a new version of its search engine Bing, with its standout feature being its AI chatbot powered by more advanced technology than ChatGPT, OpenAI’s GPT-4.
At the time of launch, the AI chatbot was called Bing Chat.
However, during the Microsoft Ignite event in November, Microsoft decided to entirely rebrand its chatbot and call it Copilot.
The Many Faces of Copilot
Microsoft’s AI chatbot, formerly called Bing, is now called Copilot. To make matters just a tad more confusing, Microsoft also named all of its AI companions Copilot.
However, if Microsoft is referring to any of its other AI companions created to assist with a specific service, it will say so in the title.
For example: Copilot in Windows, Copilot for Microsoft 365, Copilot for Sales, Copilot for Service, etc.
The Importance of a Dedicated Mobile App
By creating a standalone mobile app for Copilot, Microsoft makes conversational AI easily accessible on smartphones and tablets without needing to use a web browser.
This increases convenience and likely usage among mobile users.
Given the popularity of iPhones and iPads specifically, the iOS and iPadOS app versions close a key accessibility gap, ensuring Copilot reaches as broad an audience as possible.
The Future for Microsoft’s AI Offerings
With Copilot at the forefront, Microsoft is making major strides in delivering consumer AI products that compete with the likes of ChatGPT. And it has hinted that all its AI projects will share the Copilot branding moving forward.
Between knowledge connectivity and advanced models, Microsoft hopes Copilot will provide users with an intelligent assistant that goes beyond what most rival AI chatbots can offer.
The launch of the iOS versions reinforced its commitment toward that goal.
