Technology 10/24: Microsoft launches AI browser that competes directly with OpenAI

Microsoft launches AI browser just 2 days after OpenAI

Two days after OpenAI launched its Atlas browser, Microsoft announced a major update to Edge with Copilot Mode – an AI browser that looks and functions almost identically.

Copilot Mode isn't just an extension, it's an AI browser that's deeply integrated into Edge. Users can let Copilot access open tabs, summarize and compare information, and even perform actions like booking a hotel room or filling out a form.

Microsoft Copilot is an AI browser that competes directly with OpenAI's Atlas. (Source: Microsoft)

Copilot Mode was introduced in July with basic features like voice search and a new tab search bar. However, the October update added “Actions” and “Journeys” features, which help Copilot perform tasks and connect information between tabs.

The demo images of Microsoft and OpenAI show clear similarities: Same chat window layout, different background color and operating system. Although both companies developed independently, the similarities make the technology world unable to help but compare.

Furthermore, the fact that two AI browsers appeared almost at the same time shows the increasingly fierce competition between the two giants in the field of artificial intelligence.

OpenAI acquires Sky – an AI interface for Mac

OpenAI has announced the acquisition of Software Applications, Inc., the company behind Sky, an AI-powered natural language interface for Macs. Although never publicly released, Sky is designed to accompany users throughout their workflows, including writing, planning, programming, and more.

Similar to AI browsers, Sky is able to “see” the screen and perform actions in applications on behalf of the user, a big step in bringing OpenAI’s technology to everyday life and enterprise environments using Macs.

While no financial details were disclosed, Sky had raised $6.5 million from investors, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The deal, led by Nick Turley (head of ChatGPT) and Fidji Simo (CEO of OpenAI's applications), was approved by the board.

Alibaba launches AI glasses for $660

Alibaba has just announced the Quark AI Glasses, a smart glasses with built-in virtual assistant and AI technology. The product will be available for pre-sale on the Tmall platform from October 24 with a list price of about 4,699 yuan (equivalent to 659 USD), and will start shipping in December. During the pre-order period, the price may drop to about 3,999 yuan.

The glasses are powered by Alibaba's Qwen large language model and come with the Quark AI assistant. The device supports tasks such as hands-free calling, music playback, and real-time translation, aiming to integrate AI into everyday life.

The launch of AI glasses marks Alibaba's strong move from enterprise products to the consumer market. (Source: Cryptopolitan)

Alibaba also introduced an AI Chat Assistant mode in the Quark app. Users can chat or type to get answers, edit photos or solve visual problems, the goal is to combine search and chat in a single platform.

The launch of AI glasses marks a major shift for Alibaba from enterprise products to the consumer market, putting it in direct competition with smart glasses products from Meta and Xiaomi.

Mr. Quang

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/cong-nghe-24-10-microsoft-tung-trinh-duyet-ai-canh-tranh-truc-tiep-voi-openai-ar972885.html