Microsoft launches Copilot Mode in Edge, introducing AI-assisted browsing
Microsoft has introduced a new feature to its Edge browser called Copilot Mode, an AI-powered tool designed to assist users while browsing the web.
Announced on July 28 through a blog post, Copilot Mode aims to help users by predicting their needs, offering suggestions, and performing tasks on their behalf.
Currently in its experimental phase, the feature is opt-in by default for Mac and PC users with access to Copilot.
Microsoft is testing the waters to gauge consumer interest, though the company remains optimistic about its potential.
Once enabled, Edge users will see a new tab page where they can search, chat, and navigate with AI assistance. For example, if viewing a recipe, users can ask Copilot to suggest vegan alternatives, sparing them the need to manually search for substitutions.
A whole new way to pilot the web.
🏠 New Modern Homepage
✍️ Quick Compose
🤝 Simple Task Handoff
🗣️ Voice Navigation
Try now: https://t.co/BVshULxkYw pic.twitter.com/1aHiciKBiZCopilot also promises to handle tasks like booking appointments, creating shopping lists, and drafting content. The goal is to simplify daily tasks, such as booking flights or reserving rooms.
However, it remains to be seen if the AI’s assistance is faster or more efficient than manually completing such tasks.
In a notable feature, Copilot can act as a research companion by viewing open tabs to assist with tasks like price comparisons or product research. With user permission, the AI can offer helpful insights and speed up the research process.
Microsoft also plans to enhance Copilot’s capabilities, such as enabling voice input for users with limited tech experience or mobility.
Copilot will also eventually prompt users to pick up where they left off, offering recommendations based on their activity.
Today we’re introducing Copilot Mode in Edge, our first step in reinventing the browser for the AI age.
My favorite feature is multi-tab RAG. You can use Copilot to analyze your open tabs, like I do here with papers our team has published in @Nature journals over the last year.… pic.twitter.com/iF0gmbqTSWWhile the feature is designed to streamline online tasks, its ability to access and process browsing data has raised privacy concerns. Microsoft assures users that access will be transparent and only granted with permission.
Despite these assurances, some may still feel uneasy about the feature's data usage.