Microsoft announced the transformation of Copilot into a Windows app, with the icon being moved to a prominent position on the PC. The change was highlighted during Microsoft’s Build developer conference in Seattle, with a blog post providing more details on the motivation behind the move and the future plans for Copilot on Windows.
Currently, Copilot is accessed through an icon in the bottom right corner of the screen, marked with a “Pre” banner as a preview. Microsoft is now transitioning Copilot from a preview to a full shipping product, responding to feedback from commercial organizations requesting a more flexible app-like experience. Harjit Dhaliwal, senior product marketing manager at Windows Commercial, explained that this change aims to provide a more seamless and convenient AI-powered assistance within everyday workflows. By evolving Copilot into a standalone application on Windows, users will benefit from traditional app features such as resizing, snapping, and easier window movement, enhancing the overall experience of interacting with generative AI.
The blog post demonstrates Copilot as a resizable window application, positioned at the center of the user’s taskbar next to the virtual desktops icon. Users can still access Copilot via the dedicated key. It raises questions about whether this new interface will be exclusive to commercial customers or available to all Copilot users. Microsoft plans to maintain support for “web” and “work” tabs in Copilot for Microsoft 365 customers, ensuring business data protection within compatible web browsers like Microsoft Edge.
Overall, the shift to a standalone app for Copilot signifies its official release as a fully developed product on Windows. This move opens up new possibilities for Copilot, promising more immersive experiences and smoother interactions with generative AI for Windows users.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s decision to elevate Copilot to a Windows app marks a significant milestone in the evolution of AI-powered assistance on the platform. By prioritizing user feedback and enhancing the app’s functionality, Microsoft aims to provide a more intuitive and efficient experience for Copilot users while catering to the needs of commercial organizations seeking a more flexible AI assistant. The transition to a standalone application paves the way for innovative features and seamless integration into everyday workflows, positioning Copilot as a valuable tool for Windows users across various sectors.
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https://www.pcworld.com/article/2341835/copilot-is-all-grown-up-and-is-now-an-app-in-windows.html