There’s a growing conversation in the tech community regarding the presence of Copilot in Windows, with many users seeking ways to hide or even remove it entirely. This sentiment stems from a segment of the population that finds AI tools more bothersome than beneficial. In a curious twist, Microsoft has chosen to launch Copilot for Mac, inviting users to embrace the AI experience while Windows users are looking to distance themselves from it.
In a spirit of exploration, let’s delve into setting up Copilot on your Mac, even if you may not be its biggest fan.
Copilot for Mac is about what you’d expect
The Mac version of Copilot essentially mirrors the web-based experience, now packaged in a dedicated window for Mac users. Upon signing into your Microsoft account, you can engage with the virtual assistant almost immediately. A notable feature is the system-wide keyboard shortcut, Option-Space, which allows for quick messaging to Copilot via a pop-up overlay. This functionality is reminiscent of the launcher found in ChatGPT’s desktop application.
Additionally, users will find a convenient menu bar icon that serves the same purpose, providing easy access to the pop-up interface. The application is designed to harmonize with your Mac’s Appearance settings, ensuring that if you switch to Dark Mode, Copilot follows suit seamlessly.
However, it’s worth noting that the integration features for Mac are somewhat limited. Unlike ChatGPT’s dedicated app, Copilot does not include a screenshot button, which could have enhanced its utility by allowing users to inquire about content displayed on their screens directly. Instead, users will need to manually take screenshots and upload them for analysis. If the keyboard shortcut doesn’t appeal to you, the web version of Copilot remains a viable alternative, offering similar functionality without occupying additional storage.
Copilot can assist with a variety of tasks typically associated with large language model chatbots, such as coding, research, and even academic assistance. The free version notably provides access to real-time information from the web, allowing inquiries about current events and sports. However, there are few compelling reasons specific to Mac users that would necessitate the installation of this app.
For those curious about the differences, the Mac version and the Windows version of Copilot are strikingly similar in their capabilities. If you enjoy using Copilot on Windows, you are likely to appreciate it on Mac as well. For newcomers, exploring the web version first might be a prudent choice, as it offers the same experience without the need for installation, leaving your hard drive free from additional clutter.
