Microsoft has been at the forefront of the AI revolution. While Open AI’s ChatGPT has taken the limelight, Microsoft has been constantly backing it with its resourcing both financially as well as its massive Azure infrastructure. Microsoft has been rolling out Open AI’s module-based AI products on both Windows and Android. A few months ago, the company introduced its Copilot app on Android which gives users access to ChatGPT 4 and DALL-E for generative text and images. With Google Gemini and ChatGPT apps bringing support for digital assistants, Microsoft Copilot had to follow suit.
A new update to the Microsoft Copilot app allows users to set it as their default assistant, replacing Google Assistant, Bixby, or any other assistant they might be using. It’s simply a quick and easy way to access the app from anywhere on your phone. So, let’s see how you can make Microsoft Copilot your default assistant on Android.
How to Make Microsoft Copilot your Default Assistant on Android
Before we go ahead and make Microsoft Copilot your default assistant, we need to make sure that you have the right version of the app. At the time of writing this guide, Microsoft Copilot’s assistant is still in beta. Therefore, you need to install the beta version of the app.
1. Install Microsoft Copilot Beta
You can join the Microsoft Copilot beta program from the Google Play Store. Follow the steps below.
- Open the Google Play Store and search for Microsoft Copilot.
- Tap on Microsoft Copilot. If you haven’t already installed the app, tap Install.
- Scroll down on the app info page until you reach the “Join the beta” section.
- Tap Join.
- Tap Join again to confirm.
- You will see a message saying “Joining beta…” Wait for a few minutes and check back to see if an update is available for the Copilot app.
- Tap Update to install the beta version.
2. Check App Version
Let’s make sure that you have the right version of the app installed on your phone. Follow the steps below.
- Once the update is installed, open the Settings app.
- Tap on Apps > See all apps.
- Tap on Microsoft Copilot and check the version number. Make sure the version number is 27.9.420225014 or later.
- If the version number is older, go back to the Google Play Store, check for pending updates, and install them.
3. Change Default Assistant to Copilot
Once you are all set, you can simply change the default assistant to Microsoft Copilot and you are good to go. Follow the steps below.
- Once the update is installed, open the Settings app.
- Tap on Apps > Default apps. If you don’t see this option, tap Manage apps > three dots > Other settings > Default apps.
- Tap on Assist and voice input.
- Then, tap on the Digital Assistant app option.
- Select Copilot and tap OK to confirm.
To use Copilot, press and hold the power button for 0.5 seconds. This will open the Copilot app. Unfortunately, there is no mini pop-up like we would have with other digital assistant apps.
Also, since there is no mini overlay, the functionality is limited and you cannot activate Copilot using voice commands unlike Google Assistant or Gemini. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the feature is still in beta and might take some time to fully mature.
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