Copilot Gets a Native App on Windows 11: A Closer Look

2024-12-23

Microsoft has released a new native version of Copilot for Windows 11. This update replaces the previous progressive web app (PWA) versions of Copilot, offering a more integrated experience with the operating system.

In this article, we will explore the details of the new Copilot app, analyze its performance and features, and discuss the user’s perspective on Microsoft’s approach to ‘native’ applications.

Microsoft released a new ‘native’ version of Copilot for Windows 11. This new version is more integrated with the OS compared to PWAs. However, it still relies on a webview under the hood. This results in higher RAM consumption compared to PWAs. On the other hand, the new Copilot offers new features like Quick view window and system tray icon. Overall, the user argues that Microsoft’s understanding of ‘native’ differs from what users expect.

What Undercode Says:

Microsoft’s new Copilot app for Windows 11 is a step forward in terms of integration with the operating system. The ability to use Alt + Space for a quick view window and having a system tray icon are valuable additions. However, the app’s reliance on a webview raises questions about its true ‘nativeness’ and contributes to higher RAM usage.

Here’s a more detailed analysis of the new Copilot app:

Analysis:

While the new Copilot appears more native thanks to features like a system tray icon and a native title bar, it still relies heavily on web technologies. The app uses a WebView2 component to load the copilot.microsoft.com webpage. This means that the core functionality and content are still delivered through the web.

This web-based approach has some drawbacks. One major concern is the increased RAM consumption compared to the previous PWA versions. Our tests show that the new Copilot app uses between 500MB to 1GB of RAM, which is significantly higher than the PWAs.

The reason for this higher RAM usage is the inclusion of a dedicated WebView2 component. This essentially means running a new instance of Microsoft Edge within the Copilot app.

Despite the web-based core, the new Copilot offers some advantages over the PWAs. For instance, it can now leverage system-level features like the Alt + Space keyboard shortcut for a quick view window. This functionality is similar to the picture-in-picture mode offered by ChatGPT.

Another benefit is the system tray icon, which provides easier access to the Copilot app when running in the background. However, the necessity of this feature can be debated, especially considering the quick view window functionality.

The article also highlights the confusing evolution of Copilot on Windows over the past few months. Microsoft has introduced several iterations of Copilot, each with a different design and approach. This lack of consistency can be frustrating for users.

Looking at the bigger picture, it’s clear that Microsoft’s vision for Copilot on Windows is still under development. While the new app offers some improvements, it fails to fully capitalize on the potential of Microsoft and OpenAI’s partnership. Here at Undercode, we believe there’s room for significant improvement in terms of performance, integration, and overall user experience.

It’s also worth noting the contrast between Copilot on Windows and ChatGPT on macOS. ChatGPT offers a more polished and integrated experience that works seamlessly with existing macOS applications. This is an area where Microsoft can learn from its competitor.

Finally, the article raises an interesting question: Does Microsoft truly understand the concept of ‘native’ applications? The new Copilot app seems to represent a different interpretation of ‘native’ compared to what users generally expect. This gap in understanding needs to be addressed by Microsoft if they want to deliver a truly native and user-friendly Copilot experience on Windows.