While Gemini is gradually taking the place of Google Assistant on Android, competition is working to make artificial intelligence accessible in one click on smartphones. Indeed, a beta of Copilot now allows Microsoft’s generative AI to be set as the default assistant.
Mishaal Rahman shared on Twitter/X that beta version 27.9.420225014 added Copilot to the list of Android virtual assistants. Choosing it by default, pressing and holding the power button launches it instantly.
However, Copilot doesn’t act like other assistants. In fact, the manipulation only acts as a shortcut to open the application. Microsoft is thus far from simple overlay of Google Assistant, Gemini, Bixby or even Alexa taking up only the bottom of the screen, and automatically triggering voice recognition or analysis of content displayed on the screen.
The integration of Copilot as a default virtual assistant on Android seems to have its place in beta for the moment, with Microsoft refining the functionality before offering a complete experience in future versions of its application.
In the meantime, the Redmond firm deployed a new interface for Copilot at the beginning of February 2024 on Android, iOS and browser. Microsoft thus emphasized providing “a cleaner presentation of responses and a fun new carousel of suggestions to highlight the power of Copilot”.