As the AI chatbot race heats up, Microsoft Copilot's entrance with OpenAI's advanced GPT-4 technology hasn't shaken the stronghold of ChatGPT, despite the former's free access. With over 2.1 million installs since its quiet December release, Copilot trails behind ChatGPT's continued user growth.

Lack of marketing for Copilot, particularly during its launch period, may have contributed to its underwhelming download figures. Microsoft's omission of strategic advertising avenues like Apple's Search Ads further limited Copilot's exposure to potential iOS users. Consequently, ChatGPT's download momentum persevered, dwarfing Copilot with an additional 4.2 million installs during the same timeframe.

Microsoft's recent efforts, such as the introduction of a Copilot activation button on Windows keyboards, indicate a push for deeper AI integration in daily computing. Yet, the challenge remains in capturing the AI chatbot market, where first-mover advantage and established user loyalty hold significant sway.