🟢 Microsoft renames Bing Chat to Copilot as it competes with ChatGPT

In a strategic move to strengthen its foothold in the AI arena, Microsoft has rebranded its Bing Chat to Copilot, intensifying the competition with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The tech giant’s ambitious AI push earlier this year aimed at integrating ChatGPT-like features directly into Bing search results, but less than a year later, it’s shedding the Bing Chat branding in favor of the sleeker and more competitive Copilot.

The Shift from Bing Chat to Copilot:

Microsoft’s decision to transition from Bing Chat to Copilot comes on the heels of OpenAI’s revelation that 100 million people are using ChatGPT weekly. Despite a longstanding partnership with OpenAI, Microsoft is now positioning Copilot as the go-to option for consumers and businesses alike. Colette Stallbaumer, the general manager of Microsoft 365, notes that both Bing Chat and Bing Chat Enterprise will now seamlessly become Copilot, marking a significant shift in the company’s AI strategy.

Copilot: Free and Paid Options:

Microsoft is now presenting Copilot as the free version of its AI chatbot, with a paid option — Copilot for Microsoft 365. The free version of Copilot will be accessible not only in Bing and Windows but also through its dedicated domain, copilot.microsoft.com, reminiscent of the ChatGPT experience.

Business users will sign into Copilot with an Entra ID, while consumers will require a Microsoft Account to access the free Copilot service. Currently, Microsoft Copilot is officially supported only in Microsoft Edge or Chrome, and on Windows or macOS.

Bing’s Role in the Copilot Era:

Although Copilot is distancing itself from Bing, Microsoft emphasizes that Bing remains a vital component of Copilot. Caitlin Roulston, Director of Communications at Microsoft, asserts, “Bing remains a prominent brand and technology powering many Copilot experiences while continuing to be a leader in the search industry.”

The Bing Legacy and the Shift to Copilot:

The move away from Bing signifies a shift in Microsoft’s AI strategy. Initially positioned as a way to steal market share from Google, Bing will no longer be the primary entry point for Microsoft’s AI ambitions with Copilot. The decision raises questions about the success of Microsoft’s push for AI search, especially in the face of Google’s continued dominance with over 91 percent market share, according to StatCounter.

Looking Ahead:

As Copilot emerges as a standalone experience with its own identity, the battle for AI supremacy between Microsoft and OpenAI intensifies. The rebranding reflects Microsoft’s determination to establish Copilot as a formidable competitor to ChatGPT. The tech industry watches eagerly as these two giants navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, each vying for a larger share of the ever-expanding market.