Microsoft Rebrands Bing Chat To Copilot, Takes On Chatgpt In AI Space

In a strategic move, Microsoft is rebranding its Bing Chat to Copilot, aiming to compete with the popular ChatGPT. Originally integrated into Bing search, the new Copilot interface will now be the go-to chat option for users on Bing, Microsoft Edge, and Windows 11. The decision comes shortly after OpenAI disclosed that 100 million users engage with ChatGPT weekly.

Despite their billion-dollar partnership, Microsoft and OpenAI find themselves vying for the same clientele interested in AI assistants. Copilot is positioned as Microsoft’s offering for both consumers and businesses, effectively replacing Bing Chat. Colette Stallbaumer, Microsoft 365’s general manager, announced the transition, emphasizing Copilot’s role as a free AI chatbot, with a paid version for Microsoft 365 users.

Users can access the free Copilot in Bing and Windows, but it now has its dedicated domain at copilot.microsoft.com, mirroring ChatGPT’s approach. Business users utilize an Entra ID, while consumers need a Microsoft Account. Copilot is currently supported on Microsoft Edge or Chrome, and on Windows or macOS.

Microsoft’s original Bing Chat aimed to be an “AI-powered copilot for the web.” This rebranding positions Copilot as a standalone experience, moving away from the Bing brand. Despite this shift, Microsoft asserts that Bing remains integral to Copilot, maintaining its prominence and technological influence.

The move signifies Microsoft’s evolution in the AI space, challenging ChatGPT, and marking a departure from its initial emphasis on AI within the Bing search engine. Whether this strategic shift will impact Microsoft’s market share in the AI search landscape remains to be seen.