Microsoft has recently launched a web version of Copilot, its AI assistant. The company is making it accessible through Chromium-based browsers such as Edge. This move expands the availability of Copilot beyond Windows 11 and Microsoft 365. It also allows users on Windows and Mac to access the AI assistant. The company launched this version at the Microsoft Ignite 2023 conference which kicked off today. This dedicated web version facilitates Windows and macOS users to experience Copilot’s AI chat service. Before now, this service was limited to a handful of Microsoft software.
If you want to access the web version of Copilot, click here. However, it is worth noting that Microsoft officially stated that it is limited to using Edge or other Chromium-based browsers. Using Firefox to access it will pop up an unsupported option. In the company’s release note, it said users of Windows and macOS who use Edge or other Chromium-based browsers can assess this service. The editor does not have a Linux device on hand at the moment and cannot test the operation. The Copilot homepage contains many suggested tips that demonstrate some of the capabilities of AI. The suggestions include tips for making a joke, comparing two projects, writing an article, summarizing a web page, organizing tables, and organizing a travel itinerary.
Accessible in Chromium-Based Browsers
The web app for Copilot is accessible in Microsoft Edge and other Chromium-powered web browsers on both Windows and Mac platforms. Users can access the dedicated Copilot website at copilot.microsoft.com, where they can log in with their Microsoft account to start using the AI assistant. The website features a familiar chat interface, providing a seamless experience for users who have been using Copilot across various Microsoft apps.
Expansion to Other Platforms
With the launch of the web version, Microsoft is bringing Copilot to any device without the need to download a separate app. While the website currently supports desktop operating systems, Microsoft has announced plans to extend support to mobile browsers in the near future. Also, Copilot is being integrated into various Microsoft 365 apps, including Word, Outlook, Teams, and Azure, as well as being rebranded as “Copilot in Bing”.
According to the company, this service will be available to more systems in the future. Microsoft said it is constantly working on improving the compatibility of Copilot. However, there is no timeline with regard to the system that will support Copilot.
User Experience and Accessibility
The web version of Copilot aims to provide a simple and seamless experience, leveraging the context and intelligence of the web, work data, and user activities on their PC to offer better assistance while prioritizing privacy and security. This expansion aligns with Microsoft’s efforts to enhance productivity, and creativity, and meet the everyday needs of individuals and businesses.
Gizchina News of the week
Compatibility with Other Browsers
While the initial launch is limited to Chromium-based browsers, Microsoft has been testing the expansion of Bing AI chat and Copilot features to select users on Google Chrome. This indicates a potential future expansion of Copilot’s accessibility to a wider range of browsers, further broadening its reach and usability.
System requirements for installing Microsoft Copilot
The system requirements for installing Microsoft Copilot vary depending on the platform. Here are the system requirements for installing Copilot on different platforms:
Android OS
Copilot is compatible with all Android smartphones and tablets running Android OS 7 or higher. It requires a minimum of 50MB of storage space on the device’s internal memory to install the Copilot app. Additionally, between 200MB and 4GB of additional storage space may be required for maps, depending on the purchased map region(s). If the Android device has expandable memory with an SD/microSD card, users can save maps to the storage card.
Storage Requirements
When unpacking the installation files, Copilot requires at least twice as much free disk space (200MB for Copilot, so 400MB of free space). The amount of space needed to store maps varies depending on the map region being installed. For example, a single European country or North America region requires roughly 300 to 700MB, while complete European maps require approximately 4GB.
Microsoft 365 Copilot
Users require a license for Microsoft 365 E3 or Microsoft 365 E5, as well as a license for Microsoft 365 Copilot. The integration of Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise enables Copilot experiences to take place inside individual apps such as Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Excel, and Outlook. The requirements for using Microsoft 365 Copilot are nearly identical to the requirements for using Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise.
Desktop or Laptop Computer
For Poker Copilot, it runs on any desktop or laptop computer with at least Windows 7, 8, or 10, macOS 10.11 or higher. It also needs 4GB of RAM (recommended 8GB), and a 2 GHz processor. A minimum of 1GB of free disk space is required after installing Poker Copilot. It needs about 1GB of disk space for every 200,000 hands in the database.
Aviatrix CoPilot Platform
For Aviatrix CoPilot, the minimum instance (VM) size for a single CoPilot requires 32GB of RAM or more. It also needs 8 vCPUs or more. The configuration of the virtual machine depends on the scale and the kind of networking infrastructure planned according to business requirements.
Final Words
Microsoft’s launch of the web version of Copilot represents a big step in making its AI assistant more widely accessible. It also shows the company’s drive to integrate the service across various platforms and apps. This move is aligned with Microsoft’s commitment to providing innovative and seamless AI-powered experiences. The system requirements for installing Copilot vary across different platforms. The platforms include Android OS, Microsoft 365, desktop or laptop computers, and the Aviatrix CoPilot platform. Users should ensure that their devices meet the specific requirements for their chosen platform to install and use Copilot effectively.
