Microsoft revealed the revamped standalone Copilot app for Windows 11 at this year's Build 2024 event, and it's now rolling out to testers, and some of those testers have noted striking similarities between the app and its AI rival ChatGPT.
The Copilot app (previously rumored, and even (more or less) detected on one version of Windows) is present in build 26100 in the Release Preview channel, which is the last step before reaching the final version of Windows 11. In fact, this is the preview version of the Windows 11 24H2 update that will arrive later this year.
The new app is no longer a side panel pinned to the desktop, but rather a full-fledged app in a window, allowing you to move and resize the AI assistant as needed, like any other app. The Copilot icon is also now located centrally on the Windows 11 taskbar, instead of on the far right of the system tray.
That certainly represents a lot more flexibility for Copilot and how you want to use AI, but some users testing the new app are noticing something else: that Copilot's revamped interface resembles ChatGPT in some ways.
As latest Windows As he points out, similarities include the left-side menu showing previous chats, along with the general “feel” of the new Copilot app.
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Other than Copilot having the chat bar in the center of the app panel and maybe a splash of color, there really isn't much difference between the two AI-powered chatbots. However, Microsoft cannot be entirely blamed for imitating ChatGPT's iconic design, as many other ChatGPT alternatives have adopted the same design style to allow users to easily get familiar with newer applications.
Think about how easy it is for you to navigate most social media apps on your phone – they all have a similar layout, so even if you've just joined a new one, you can get your bearings before learning more. intricate details. That said, I think Microsoft could have done a little better by trying to create its own style, but the app is still in testing within the Windows Insider program, so perhaps the design will be tweaked further before its public release. .
If you want to try out the new Copilot app, you'll need to be part of the Windows Insider testing program. Joining is pretty easy, and once you're signed up, you'll have access not only to the Copilot app, but also other updates and features that Microsoft is testing in preview versions.
Keep a couple of things in mind, though: Windows 11 trials are not something you want to run on your main PC (as things are more likely to go wrong, so don't take any chances on that). Also, remember that just because a feature appeared in testing does not mean that it will be available for release in the final version of Windows 11 used by everyone.
