Copilot · Gemini · Claude · Microsoft · ChatGPT · OpenAI · TechCrunch AI
Microsoft kills off unsuccessful AI capabilities while merging its separate Copilot apps
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Two years ago, Microsoft described AI as a “generational shift” in technology that it wanted to lead.
Key facts
- According to Microsoft, consumers will lose access to Group Chats, AI-generated podcasts in Copilot, Copilot Labs experimental features, and Deep Research, by August 18, 2026
- As initially reported by GeekWire and detailed in Microsoft’s support documentation, the tech giant will combine the functionality of its consumer-facing Copilot app and the more business-oriented
- Two years ago, Microsoft described AI as a “generational shift” in technology that it wanted to lead
- The company will also ditch its goofy animated character for Copilot, named Mico, a floating blob that felt like an AI-ified version of Clippy
Summary
As initially reported by GeekWire and detailed in Microsoft’s support documentation, the tech giant will combine the functionality of its consumer-facing Copilot app and the more business-oriented Microsoft 365 Copilot app. The move is both an acknowledgement that personal and professional uses of AI often overlap, and that Microsoft’s prior strategy was too complicated to make Copilot a viable competitor to the likes of ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. It also follows a broader consolidation in the AI app space that has seen Claude merging Cowork into Chat; OpenAI merging its agentic feature Operator into ChatGPT; and Google adding specialized capabilities to its Gemini app, like the combination of deep research and web browsing. According to Microsoft, consumers will lose access to Group Chats, AI-generated podcasts in Copilot, Copilot Labs experimental features, and Deep Research, by August 18, 2026.