Microsoft Edge Gets AI-Powered 'Copilot Mode'

Microsoft Edge Introduces Copilot Mode: An AI-Powered Browsing Experience

Responding to growing user interest in AI-integrated browsers, Microsoft has unveiled Copilot Mode for its Edge browser on Monday. This new functionality provides users with AI assistance while they navigate the internet.

The core concept involves the AI acting as a supportive tool. It aims to comprehend user research, anticipate their intentions, and subsequently execute actions on their behalf.

Early Stages and Accessibility

While the practical effectiveness of Copilot Mode is still under evaluation, Microsoft designates it as an experimental feature. Currently, access is opt-in during testing phases and remains free for all Mac and PC users who have access to Copilot.

Several key components are available at launch, with further enhancements planned for the future.

How Copilot Mode Functions

Upon activation, Edge users gain access to a dedicated tab page. This page facilitates searching, chatting, and web navigation with Copilot’s support.

When browsing a specific webpage, users can also leverage Copilot for additional assistance. For instance, Microsoft illustrates a scenario where a user inquires if a recipe can be adapted for a vegan diet, and Copilot provides suitable ingredient substitutions.

This type of inquiry is typical for AI chatbots, but Copilot streamlines the process by eliminating the need to copy and paste content.

Alternatively, users can request Copilot to directly present the recipe, bypassing lengthy introductory content often found on online recipe sites.

Expanding Capabilities

Microsoft asserts that Copilot can manage various tasks for users, including scheduling appointments, generating shopping lists, and composing written content.

This “agentic” approach to web interaction represents a significant advancement in the AI browser landscape. However, widespread consumer adoption remains uncertain.

The objective is to simplify everyday tasks, such as booking accommodations on Booking.com or flights through Kayak. However, engaging in conversational interactions with an AI to navigate options may not always be more efficient than direct website use, depending on user familiarity.

Voice Input and Future Enhancements

Copilot supports voice input, which could prove beneficial for users less comfortable with online booking processes or those with mobility limitations.

Microsoft plans to enable Copilot to utilize additional user context, like login credentials and browsing history, to handle more complex actions, such as reservations. Currently, some manual input is still required.

A Research Assistant

Copilot’s ability to function as a research companion is particularly noteworthy. With user consent, Copilot can analyze all open tabs to understand the user’s browsing activity.

This feature is especially useful for product comparisons or online research, like comparing prices for flights or hotels across multiple websites. While similar functionality exists in AI chatbots, integrating it directly into the browser could accelerate the process.

Looking ahead, Copilot will also offer suggestions to resume projects or research, recommending subsequent steps, according to Microsoft.

Privacy Considerations

Microsoft emphasizes that Copilot will only access browsing data with explicit user permission, and this access will be clearly indicated through visual cues.

Nevertheless, the ability to enable or disable a feature that can observe and listen during web searches may raise privacy concerns for some individuals.