Microsoft Introduces Native Copilot App for Windows Insiders

In a bold move that has stirred both excitement and skepticism among tech enthusiasts, Microsoft has rolled out an application known as the "native" Copilot app for Windows Insiders. As of December 11, 2024, users of Windows 10 and 11 can catch a glimpse of what's been described as a leap forward in the Copilot experience—though opinions may vary on just how significant that leap is.

The Copilot Interface: More Than Meets the Eye?​

The new Copilot app, sporting version number 1.24112.123.0, has been designed to nestle neatly into the Windows system tray. Once installed, it can be summoned with the simple keystroke of Alt + Space—a combination already employed by numerous Windows applications. This presents an initial hitch: users may face confusion if multiple apps respond to this shortcut. Microsoft acknowledges this potential overlap and assures users they plan to explore alternative keyboard shortcuts in the future.
When activated, the app showcases a quick view user interface—a windowed version of the Copilot website that can float above open applications. This floating interface remains visible until it's dismissed, allowing for a level of multitasking that could appeal to power users. However, it's essential to note that, despite being billed as a "native" application, this new offering predominantly serves as a web wrapper that essentially pulls up the copilot.microsoft.com website.

What Lies Beneath the Surface?​

Though Microsoft claims the Copilot app provides a native experience, industry insiders report that it still operates primarily as a progressive web app (PWA). Notably, the transition from the existing Copilot web app to the new wrapper has introduced minimal native elements—most significantly, just two: the About screen, which doles out third-party notices, and the title bar-accessible menu. Everything else? Not quite the robust nativism many users might expect.
It’s important to recognize the technology powering this application. The Copilot utilizes Microsoft’s WebView2 component, enabling the app to render web pages within the Windows framework. This move is a shift from the previous PWA system driven by Microsoft Edge, which may be interpreted as a step toward integrating web features more seamlessly into the operating system.

Rethinking User Experience​

As with any transition in software, user experience is at the forefront of this rollout. While the new Copilot aims to create a more cohesive feel by integrating more closely with Windows, the real-world implications could have varied effects on usability. For those familiar with the existing Copilot, the change may feel incremental. In contrast, new users may appreciate the interface's accessibility, albeit with the minor hiccup of shortcut conflicts.

Key Features and Developments​

• Triggering the App: Activate the Copilot with Alt + Space.
• Floating UI: The Copilot window can hover above other applications until dismissed.
• WebView2 Technology: Powers a more fluid web-based experience, though it remains fundamentally a web app at heart.
• Limited Native Functions: The new offering includes only two actual native components, sparking debate about the terms used to classify it as "native."

The Future of Copilot​

Microsoft's reasoning for these updates touches on its commitment to supporting both Windows 10 and 11 as it moves towards the platform's extended support end date in October 2025. However, users and industry analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the application evolves—and whether it does indeed transform into the robust tool that has been envisioned.

Conclusion: A Mixed Bag of Promotions​

What does the introduction of the Copilot app mean for Windows users? It is a mix of promise and caution, bundled into a sleek interface but lacking in the substantive native elements some may have hoped for. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this new app will only become clear through user feedback and ongoing development. Will you be joining the ranks of the Windows Insiders to test drive this new app, or will you wait for a more fleshed-out version? The decision is yours, but one thing is certain: Microsoft’s Copilot is here, and it’s ready to assist—albeit in a more web-centric fashion than one might have anticipated.

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Source: TechSpot Microsoft is rolling out a website wrapper as a 'native' Copilot app for Windows