Microsoft introduces Copilot Mode AI assistant for Edge browser.

With the growing demand for AI-powered browsers, Microsoft launched a new feature in its Edge browser on Monday called Copilot Mode, allowing users to browse the web with AI assistance. The idea is that AI can act as an assistant, capable of understanding what users are searching for, predicting what they want to do, and then acting on their behalf.

The actual effectiveness of this feature has yet to be proven, but Microsoft notes that Copilot Mode is still in the testing phase. The feature is also the default option in these tests and is currently free for any Mac or PC user with Copilot access.

There are several key components to Copilot Mode at launch, and many more will be added soon. Once enabled, Edge users will see a new tab page where they can search, chat, and browse the web with the help of Copilot.

When accessing a specific website, users can also ask Copilot for additional assistance. For example, Microsoft demonstrates how a user can ask the AI assistant whether the recipe they are viewing can be prepared vegetarian, and Copilot will suggest alternatives.

Today, users can ask AI chatbots this kind of question, but it saves them from having to paste the content they want to refer to. Or, someone could ask the AI to simply present a recipe so they don't have to read through the "life story" that now accompanies so many online recipes.

Nguồn hình ảnh: Microsoft — Image source: Microsoft

Additionally, Microsoft claims that Copilot can handle a variety of tasks on behalf of the user, such as scheduling appointments, creating shopping lists, and writing content.

This "representative" use of the web is the next big step in the AI browser race, but it remains unclear whether consumers will naturally embrace it. The goal, of course, is to make performing everyday tasks, such as booking a room on Booking.com or reserving a flight via Kayak, easier.

However, interacting with AI to consider your options and needs isn't necessarily better or faster than doing it yourself, depending on how familiar you are with the website.

However, Copilot still allows voice input, which can be helpful for those who are not tech-savvy when booking online, or those with limited mobility. (Microsoft later stated that users will be able to provide Copilot with additional necessary information, such as login credentials or history, to manage more advanced operations, such as bookings. Currently, this remains somewhat manual.)

Perhaps even more interesting is Copilot's ability to act as a research companion. With user permission, Copilot can view all open tabs to understand what content the user is browsing. This can be useful if they are conducting some kind of product comparison or online research, such as comparing flight or hotel prices across multiple websites.

Again, these are AI chatbot use cases, but integrating it into the browser could accelerate the transition of user needs toward digital assistants. Microsoft says that in the future, Copilot will also remind people to continue their projects or work by suggesting next steps.

The company emphasizes that Copilot will only be able to access users' browsing content with their consent, and this will be clearly indicated to the end user through visual cues. However, the fact that you can now turn on or off the feature that allows viewing and eavesdropping on you while searching may make some users feel uneasy.