Tag Archives: Instant Messaging

News

Microsoft’s Copilot Comes to Telegram

Leave a comment

Microsoft’s Copilot, the AI assistant gaining popularity on Windows devices, is spreading its wings. It’s now available on Telegram, a popular messaging app, offering features that go beyond simply chatting with a bot. While this expansion brings convenience, it also raises questions about user privacy in an increasingly interconnected digital world.

Screenshot 2024 06 02 at 14 41 13 Copilot for Telegram Microsoft Copilot

Telegram users can now leverage Copilot’s capabilities directly within the app. This AI companion, powered by GPT technology and Bing search, offers a variety of features:

  • Information Retrieval: Need answers on the fly? Ask Copilot anything from travel tips to sports updates, and it will retrieve information using Bing search.
  • Conversational Partner: Feeling social? Engage in casual conversation with Copilot. It can handle open-ended questions and provide engaging responses.
  • Recommendation Engine: Stuck in a decision rut? Let Copilot be your guide. It can recommend movies, restaurants, and activities based on your interests.

Accessing Copilot on Telegram is simple. Just search for “@CopilotOfficialBot” within the app and start interacting. Currently in beta, the service is free for all Telegram users on desktop, mobile devices, and the web version.

While Copilot’s convenience is undeniable, its growing presence across platforms raises privacy concerns. Microsoft assures users that their interactions with Copilot occur directly within Telegram, keeping data secure. However, Copilot, like any search engine, relies on publicly available information on the web. This raises the question of how much data users are comfortable sharing in exchange for convenience.

The integration of Copilot into Telegram represents a step forward in AI-powered communication tools. However, it also highlights the ongoing conversation surrounding user privacy in the age of AI assistants. As AI technology continues to evolve and permeate various platforms, it will be interesting to see how companies like Microsoft address privacy concerns while offering users the benefits of these intelligent companions.

News

ICQ Won’t be Seeking You Anymore Come June 26, 2024

Leave a comment

Remember those iconic bouncing notification bubbles and the frantic race to type “uh-oh” before someone else did? For many of us, ICQ was our gateway into the world of instant messaging. Now, after nearly 28 years of service, ICQ is officially shutting down on June 26, 2024.

Screenshot 2024 05 27 at 11 37 51 ICQ will stop working from June 26

ICQ, short for “I Seek You,” rose to prominence in the late 90s and early 2000s. Back then, it was a revelation. Gone were the days of dial-up connections and clunky chat rooms. ICQ offered a more personal and convenient way to connect with friends and family online.

The user interface was simple and intuitive. Those expressive buddy icons, the ability to send “away messages,” and the ever-so-satisfying sound of a message popping up – ICQ delivered a unique and engaging user experience.

Beyond basic chat functionalities, ICQ offered features like file transfers, chat rooms, and even rudimentary online games. It was a one-stop shop for online communication and entertainment, fostering a vibrant online community.

2018 12 18 image jpg

However, the tech world is a fast-paced one. New and more feature-rich platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger emerged, offering a wider range of functionalities and seamless integration with social media. ICQ, while still holding a nostalgic charm for many, struggled to keep pace.

The official announcement from ICQ is brief, simply stating the shutdown date and directing users towards their other chat solutions, VK Messenger and VK Workplace. While this marks the end of an era for ICQ, it serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of technology.

For many, ICQ will remain more than just a piece of software. It was a platform that fostered friendships, facilitated communication across borders, and introduced a generation to the wonders of online interaction. While ICQ may be saying goodbye, the memories and connections forged through its platform will undoubtedly live on.