Microsoft has announced the testing of a new experimental feature called Copilot Mode within its Edge browser, set to launch today. This innovative mode leverages artificial intelligence to enable Copilot to search through all open tabs and facilitate various tasks, such as making restaurant reservations. Notably, the Copilot chatbot will also be accessible directly from the new tab page.
Copilot Mode represents a middle ground between Google’s limited Gemini integration being trialed in Chrome and the comprehensive AI enhancements available in the Comet browser. Users will have the option to allow Copilot access to all their open tabs, enabling the tool to compare multiple hotel options or summarize the best purchases from different product tabs.
In addition, Copilot will be integrated into the address bar, enhancing user interaction. The feature supports voice navigation, allowing users to locate information on websites or open tabs to compare products effortlessly. Furthermore, Microsoft intends to permit Copilot, with user consent, to access browsing history and credentials, enabling the chatbot to handle reservation bookings on behalf of users.
These advancements in Edge build upon the existing integration of Microsoft’s AI assistant within the browser, further enhanced by ongoing developments in Copilot Vision. Sean Lyndersay, vice president of product for Microsoft Edge, stated, “Copilot will soon be able to guide you in your tasks and organize your browsing—past and present—into helpful, topic-based journeys.”
For users who prefer not to use this AI-enabled feature, Microsoft assures that Copilot Mode will be optional and can be disabled at the user’s discretion. Lyndersay mentioned, “With Copilot Mode, you can also choose to turn the experience on and off as you wish through your Edge settings. If you choose not to turn on Copilot Mode, you can continue to browse on Edge as usual.”
Microsoft has labeled Copilot Mode as an “experimental” feature that is expected to evolve. It is currently available to users for free within certain usage limits, indicating that a subscription model may be implemented in the future as the feature develops.
