While I don't have any objections, per se, to Copilot, I do think it's a little overwhelming. It seems to be everywhere, but in so many forms, and it can feel a little invasive.
What I'm more interested in is a system-wide AI tool that's there when I need it, and disappears when I don't, without overloading me with information or taking up all my screen space.
What I want is something along the lines of this third-party tool built by Hayden Barnes, which taps into GitHub Copilot (you will need a subscription) and does so in an effective and elegant way.
It's simply called GitHub Copilot Taskbar GUI, and among its range of features is a native WinUI 3 interface with all the lovely translucency you could shake a stick at. It sits in the system tray when not in use, always there but out of sight when you don't need it.
It also has automatic context detection for open applications and currently visible windows, background services, and active window focus.
Barnes has shown off a range of examples on X of the tool in use, such as knowing about a running Docker instance, interacting with WSL, summarizing text shown in an image file that's open in File Explorer, and even knowing details on who the original PM was for Windows Terminal.
Naturally, this is designed to hook into GitHub Copilot, which has a different purpose than regular Copilot. But it's exactly the type of AI assistant I'd want to use on my Windows 11 PC.
Copilot is getting more useful in recent times, with features like Vision, and as an AI chatbot, it remains a strong performer.
But for me, I've evolved beyond just wanting this type of experience. If I'm using AI, I want to use it across everything on my PC but not take up too much of my focus. The Copilot app can be left open in the corner or system tray with Quick View, but it's still too big and distracting.
That's what I like most about GitHub Copilot Taskbar GUI. You don't need to share your screen — as you do with Copilot Vision — and it looks 100% like it's part of the OS without dominating the desktop or constantly catching my eye. Simplicity, sometimes, is the winner.
Projects like this give me faith that if Microsoft doesn't do it, someone else will. If you want to check out Github Copilot Taskbar GUI for yourself, you can grab it from GitHub right now.
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