Microsoft Edge now an ‘AI-powered browser’ with Copilot Mode

Microsoft has introduced Copilot Mode, an experimental feature designed to transform Microsoft Edge into a web browser powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

As the company explained on Monday, this new mode transforms Edge’s interface, with new tabs showing a single input box that combines chat, search, and web navigation functions.

Once Copilot Mode is enabled, the AI assistant will be able to analyze all open browser tabs with the user’s permission, comparing information and assisting with various tasks, such as researching vacation rentals.

“With Copilot Mode on, you enable innovative AI features in Edge that enhance your browser. It doesn’t just wait idly for you to click but anticipates what you might want to do next. It doesn’t just give you endless tabs to sift through but works with you as a collaborator that makes sense of it all,” said Microsoft Edge VP of Product Sean Lyndersay.

“It keeps you browsing, cuts through clutter and removes friction to unlock your flow – all built to the highest Microsoft standards of security, privacy and performance trusted by billions of people and businesses worldwide – with you as the user always in control.”

Copilot Mode features natural voice navigation, enabling users to speak commands directly to Copilot for tasks such as opening comparison tabs between products or locating webpage information.

Microsoft plans to expand Copilot Mode’s capabilities to include additional advanced actions, like booking reservations and managing tasks on users’ behalf.

Redmond states that the data collection policy adheres to the company’s privacy standards, allowing users to maintain control over how their information is shared via Personalization settings.

Additionally, visual indicators will be displayed when Copilot is active, and users can turn off the feature through their browser settings.

“Your browser data will be handled and protected in accordance with the Microsoft Privacy Statement, and there will always be clear, visual cues on your browser when Copilot is viewing or listening,” Lyndersay said.

“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.”

Copilot is free for a limited time as an opt-in feature in all Copilot markets, exclusively on Edge for Windows and Mac systems.