Microsoft has announced the launch of Copilot Mode for Edge, a new experimental mode within the browser that the company calls the “next step towards building a more powerful way to pilot the web.”
When Copilot Mode is enabled, the new feature will appear in a dynamic pane on the existing webpage, while keeping the open tabs intact. If a new tab is open, the feature will show a streamlined page with a single input for chat, web browsing, and searching.
Microsoft announced something similar through Copilot Vision back in April, where Copilot could view the entire screen, coach users through different tasks, and help find products on webpages.
Image credit: Microsoft
One such method that the new Copilot Mode will use is called multi-tab context. With the user’s permission, Copilot can view all open tabs to understand the full context of the user’s search. Microsoft notes that this feature might work best when making a major decision (for example, purchasing real estate, a new car, or a new phone). Copilot could help narrow down the choices by scanning the tabs and comparing the items listed on the different webpages.
Copilot in Edge will now also have natural voice navigation. Users can now speak directly to Copilot about what they are trying to do, similar to what is already done with Amazon’s Alexa and the Google Home line of products.
Image credit: Microsoft
There will also be a new feature coming soon which, with given permission, will take additional context (history, credentials, frequented locations, etc.) to make what Microsoft is calling “more advanced and seamless actions.”
According to the company, this can include booking reservations or managing errands. If booking a work trip, for example, a command such as “find me a hotel near (any event centre and city),” Copilot will find the weather for the week you’re going, hotels nearby (with amenities and room prices), available public transportation, and things to do in the area. It’ll even suggest tutorial videos to help prepare if necessary.
Image credit: Microsoft
One point to note is that Microsoft also mentions the new features will only collect data necessary for search optimization. Users can also customize what is collected via the Personalization settings.
Microsoft’s expanded Copilot features in Edge come as several AI companies push browser-based products. Perplexity notably just launched an AI browser, and the company behind the Arc browser also has a take on the AI browser concept called Dia. Meanwhile, OpenAI is rumoured to be working on an AI-powered web browser to take on Google’s massively popular Chrome browser.
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