Exploring Copilot for Mac: What to Expect
The conversation surrounding disabling Copilot on Windows and tools designed to eliminate it is prevalent across various online platforms. This can be attributed to a growing discontent with artificial intelligence among certain users who would much rather avoid interactions with it.
In a strikingly opposite move, Microsoft has recently introduced Copilot for Mac. While Windows users are seeking ways to remove this AI tool from their devices, Mac users are being encouraged to install it. With that in mind, this article will focus on how to set up Copilot on a Mac, although it’s worth noting that unless you have a strong affinity for it, you might want to think twice before using the application.
What to Expect from Copilot for Mac
Copilot for Mac mirrors the web version of the tool, adapted into a standalone application. Users can easily log in with their Microsoft accounts and begin interacting with the virtual helper right away. One helpful addition is a global keyboard shortcut, Option-Space, that allows quick access to Copilot in a pop-up overlay (this shortcut can be customized according to user preferences). This functionality is similar to the launcher utilized by ChatGPT’s desktop app.
In addition to the keyboard shortcut, users have the option to click an icon in the menu bar to access the same pop-up feature. This application adapts to your Mac’s Appearance settings, meaning if you enable Dark Mode, Copilot will follow suit.
However, the integration features specific to Mac are rather limited. Unlike ChatGPT’s Mac application, which includes a screenshot function, Copilot lacks this feature. Consequently, users who want to ask questions about content on their screens must take screenshots manually and upload them instead. If the keyboard shortcut is unimportant to you, using the web version of Copilot may be a more straightforward option since the differences are minimal.
With Copilot, one can perform a variety of tasks typically associated with advanced language model chatbots such as ChatGPT and Claude. It offers capabilities ranging from coding assistance to research and even help with academic tasks. Notably, the free version of Copilot has access to real-time data from the web, allowing queries regarding recent news and sporting events. Nonetheless, there are few compelling Mac-specific advantages to installing the application.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Mac vs. Windows
To illustrate, here is how the Mac version of Copilot handles commonly discussed topics, albeit inaccurately regarding the NHL trade deadline:
On the other hand, here is the Windows version which showcases its taste in classic Game Boy Advance titles:
Essentially, the experiences on both platforms are quite comparable. If you enjoy using Copilot on a Windows device, you’re likely to feel the same way on a Mac. For those who haven’t yet explored Copilot and are intrigued, trying out the web version beforehand may be a sensible choice. It offers the same features without requiring storage space on your computer.
