Microsoft has launched an official Copilot bot within the messaging app Telegram, allowing users to search, ask questions, and interact with the AI chatbot.
Currently in beta, Copilot for Telegram is available for free to users on both mobile and desktop platforms. Users can engage with Copilot for Telegram similarly to having a regular conversation within the app.
Copilot for Telegram is an official Microsoft bot, identifiable by a checkmark and the username @CopilotOfficialBot.
This addition is part of a broader trend where AI companies are integrating their large language models (LLMs) into messaging apps.
For instance, Meta has added Meta AI to its chat apps, including Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram messaging, while Google offers Gemini in Google Messages on Android phones.
To start using Copilot for Telegram, users need to search for the Copilot Bot and share their Telegram phone number with Microsoft. This requirement might feel unusual for those who value Telegram's strong privacy policies, especially in contexts like communicating with privacy-conscious crypto founders.
Copilot for Telegram offers various functionalities, including movie suggestions, generating workout routines, assisting with coding tasks, translating conversations, and finding quick facts online. However, it is limited to text requests and cannot generate images. Additionally, there is a daily limit of 30 exchanges between the user and the Copilot.
Microsoft has been expanding its Copilot offerings across multiple platforms. This includes business applications, PCs with built-in Copilots, and Microsoft 365. A paid version is also available, providing access to the latest AI models for $20 a month.