Overview: Copilot expands reminders across mobile devices
Microsoft Copilot is rolling out a new feature called Reminders, designed to keep tasks, meetings, and follow-ups top of mind across devices. While the rollout started with mobile—both Android and iOS—partial support is also seen on the web, signaling a broader cross-platform push. This move positions Copilot to contend more directly with AI assistants like Gemini and ChatGPT by adding a practical, task-focused capability that many users rely on daily.
What Reminders offers
The Reminders feature integrates with Microsoft Copilot’s existing AI capabilities to create, manage, and deliver reminders through push notifications. Users can set time-based alerts for individual tasks, or use natural language commands to schedule reminders tied to events or emails. The intent is to reduce the friction of switching between apps for to-dos and calendar items, providing a unified productivity surface where AI helps you stay on track.
Cross-platform access
According to initial reports and internal testing notes, Reminders is accessible on mobile devices via the Copilot app on Android and iOS. Web support appears partial for now, suggesting Microsoft is prioritizing push notifications and on-device reminders first, with deeper web integration phased in later. This approach mirrors industry patterns where mobile experiences often lead the way in AI productivity tools before full browser parity.
How it fits into the competitive landscape
Reminders arrives as AI assistants sharpen their task-management features to rival offerings from competitors like Gemini and ChatGPT. The ability to set reminders via natural language, receive timely notifications, and sync across devices makes Copilot more than a conversational partner—it becomes a practical productivity companion. For users already embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem, Reminders could streamline daily workflows by reducing context switching between email, calendar, and task lists.
Potential benefits for users
Key advantages include:
- Seamless reminders that surface in notifications, helping you act on tasks promptly.
- Natural language input that lowers the barrier to creating reminders.
- Cross-device continuity, so a reminder set on mobile can be respected on desktop when available.
- Improved productivity via AI-assisted prioritization and scheduling suggestions based on your patterns.
Limitations and expectations
As with any rollout, users may encounter partial web support and feature availability that varies by region or account type. Some Power Users may still see gaps in syncing, notification timing, or integration with non-Microsoft apps. However, the ongoing expansion of Reminders indicates Microsoft’s commitment to closing these gaps and delivering a more polished experience over time.
How to start using Reminders
If you have access to Copilot on mobile, try asking in natural language to create a reminder. Examples include: “Remind me to call the client tomorrow at 10 AM,” or “Set a reminder to review the project plan next Friday.” Ensure notifications are enabled for the Copilot app in your device settings so you don’t miss alerts. For web users, keep an eye out for future updates that broaden web-based reminder features and syncing capabilities.
Looking ahead
Microsoft’s Reminders feature is a strategic bet that AI can meaningfully reduce cognitive load by turning conversational guidance into timely actions. As Gemini and ChatGPT continue to evolve, Copilot’s approach—rooted in the familiar Microsoft productivity stack—could appeal to teams and individuals seeking a more integrated, AI-powered way to manage tasks without leaving the tools they already use.
