Latest news with #CopilotMode
Alalam24
3 days ago
- Business
- Alalam24
Microsoft launches a new feature in its Edge browser
In a move that strengthens its position in the field of artificial intelligence, Microsoft announced earlier this week the launch of 'Copilot Mode,' an intelligent feature integrated into its Edge browser, designed to simplify browsing and provide users with more advanced assistance tools. According to a report published by Reuters, the new feature allows users to browse the internet in an organized manner by categorizing topics and analyzing content across different tabs, without having to switch between them manually. It leverages the integration of the Copilot assistant directly into the browser interface, offering interactive support that combines search, chat, and content preview. This development comes amid intense competition among tech giants to create AI-powered browsing tools. Perplexity AI, backed by Nvidia, has launched an innovative browser called Comet, while OpenAI is preparing to release its own smart browser soon. Meanwhile, Google introduced 'AI Mode' to its search engine earlier this year and recently reported improved user engagement with the feature. Microsoft also stated that Copilot Mode will feature a new unified interface with a single box that combines text search, navigation, and chat, as well as support for voice commands. Soon, the assistant is expected to gain access to broader data, such as browsing history and saved information, enabling it to perform complex tasks like making reservations or automatically organizing personal tasks.
Euronews
7 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
How well do new AI search tools from Google, Microsoft actually work?
Two Big Tech companies launched artificial intelligence-powered (AI) search bars this week in a bid to shake up how users find information on the web. Google AI Mode launched in the United Kingdom after previously rolling out in the United States and India. It combines the platform's Gemini 2.5 AI model with search to let users ask exploratory questions with voice, pictures and text. The company says it can also compare products, plan a trip, and understand complex how-to questions. Microsoft also launched Copilot Mode in the Bing search bar. It says its Copilot AI model 'reads, compiles and reasons about information available on the web,' and then presents it in a concise answer. But what do these search bars actually do and what is different from traditional search engines Microsoft Bing or Google Search? The Euronews Next team put the AI search services' capabilities to the test, using queries that people might be tempted to try. Works similarly to conversations with AI chatbots We asked it for recommendations on an e-bike, to provide a seven-day meal plan with diet constraints, aggregate job postings for AI engineers in London, and to present all viewpoints on how well measles vaccines work. So far, both search engines work like a chatbot. Faced with our queries, they launched into conversation and gave recommendations for e-bikes or jobs they thought we should apply for. Both Google AI and Copilot also make many assumptions about what their user is looking for that it uses to tailor its recommendations. For example, both search bars assumed in the meal plan prompt that we had cooking experience, that we exercised regularly, and that we had no other dietary restrictions. Tabs influence suggestions on Copilot If we enabled 'context clues' in Microsoft's Copilot AI, the model changed its answers to our queries based on the tabs that we had open. In one experiment, we asked Copilot to recommend jobs as an AI engineer in London. Without any extra tabs open, it gave us links to BeBee, a job aggregation platform. With tabs like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Indeed, and UK job site Reed open, it suggested only roles posted on these platforms. Asked to explain itself, Copilot said it included these roles because they are 'likely to reflect what you're actively exploring'. Google AI Mode doesn't use 'context clues'. Copilot, Google AI Mode highlight potential misinformation We tested the platforms on a more controversial topic, asking Copilot and Google AI Mode to summarise all viewpoints on the measles vaccine. We chose the issue because it has been subject to years of misinformation from many sources online. We ran two searches on Copilot: one with no tabs open and one with a handful of websites open that are known for spreading medical misinformation. In both answers, Copilot started by saying that the measles vaccine was highly effective, while acknowledging that rare side effects can happen. The search engines included answers that they described as 'alternative' or 'fringe' perspectives such as questions about how long the vaccine gives immunity. When asked for its sources, Copilot said it relied on 'high-quality sources' from the World Health Organization, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and peer-reviewed articles from medical journals. The search engine said it picked these sources because they are peer-reviewed, collected global data, and published their methodologies – and said it 'didn't cherry-pick studies'. With the misinformation tabs open, however, Copilot provided similar answers but included more information about the 'sceptical' or 'alternative' viewpoints. It said it assumed that we wanted to see these perspectives and that they should be 'contextualised … carefully to avoid amplifying misinformation.' Google AI had a similar approach. It started with the scientific consensus – arguing that if it didn't, 'ignoring this would be misleading and potentially harmful'. Its summary did include some perspectives that could be considered sceptical of routine vaccines, but it introduced them with a disclaimer: 'It's essential to include this viewpoint because it represents a significant part of the public discourse, even if it contradicts the scientific consensus'. Euronews Next contacted Microsoft and Google for information on how their models determine what is a 'high-quality source,' but did not receive an immediate reply. No task-handling yet The models so far appear to be sophisticated search engines rather than personal assistants. Asked to create a meal plan and add groceries to a shopping cart, Google AI fell short. Meanwhile, when Microsoft released its model, it included a video that shows Copilot Search recommending a paddle board company based on a user's inquiry – and making a reservation for that rental. But when we asked Copilot to make a dinner reservation, a doctor's appointment, or to upload a resume to a job portal, Copilot said it would 'be thrilled' to help but that it doesn't have the abilities that we are looking for. The company says future updates for Copilot Search will allow users to ask the search bar to do these kinds of tasks.
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Microsoft (MSFT) Unveils AI-Powered ‘Copilot Mode' for Edge Browser
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is one of the . On July 28, the company announced the launch of a new 'Copilot Mode' for its Edge browser. The Copilot Mode leverages artificial intelligence to improve the browsing experience for its users, helping carry out tasks, organize browsing, and even compare results across tabs without the need to switch between. According to Microsoft, the new feature will enable users to see a page with a single input box combining chat, search, and web navigation features. Moreover, Copilot will also support voice navigation for browsing in Edge. While not available at the moment, users will also be able to permit Copilot to access additional browser context, such as user history and credentials, to take more actions shortly. A hacker on his laptop. Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels It will also be able to access browsing content when enabled, or even provide visual cues to allow users to know when it is active in the background. It will be available at no cost across Copilot markets in Windows and Mac PCs for a limited time. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) provides AI-powered cloud, productivity, and business solutions, focusing on efficiency, security, and AI advancements. While we acknowledge the potential of MSFT as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: and Disclosure: None.
Hans India
29-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Microsoft Tests AI Copilot Mode in Edge Browser to Simplify Web Browsing
Microsoft is rolling out an experimental new feature in its Edge browser called Copilot Mode, an AI-powered assistant designed to help users manage everyday browsing tasks more efficiently. Aimed at cutting down time spent on repetitive web actions, this feature is now being tested and is currently free to use, though Microsoft has hinted it might eventually be part of a paid plan. With Copilot Mode, users gain access to a smart assistant that can compare prices across multiple tabs, help with restaurant bookings, or summarize information spread across various web pages. Appearing on the new tab screen, the feature uses a familiar chat-style interface, letting users interact via text or voice. This means you can now simply speak to your browser to open tabs, search within sites, or find products for comparison without manual navigation. Microsoft emphasizes that this tool is completely optional and built with user privacy in mind. 'Copilot will soon be able to guide you in your tasks and organise your browsing — past and present — into helpful, topic-based journeys,' said Sean Lyndersay, Vice President of Product for Microsoft Edge. He added, '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.' One of the standout elements of Copilot Mode is its ability to integrate deeper with a user's browsing data — but only with permission. Microsoft says that, with user consent, Copilot may access browsing history and saved login information in the future to make tasks like form filling and online bookings more seamless. To maintain transparency, Microsoft is implementing visible cues to indicate when Copilot is active in the background, ensuring users are always aware of the AI's presence and actions. While still in early stages, Copilot Mode is expected to evolve, with more features being introduced based on user feedback and usage patterns. This launch aligns with a broader industry trend of integrating AI into web browsers. Google, for instance, is testing AI-assisted search features in Chrome, while emerging platforms like Comet from Perplexity AI are also experimenting with similar technology. Microsoft's Copilot Mode is part of its wider strategy to enhance productivity and user experience across its product suite. Although usage is currently free, Microsoft has placed limits on how extensively the tool can be used, suggesting that a subscription model may be introduced down the line. For now, users who want to try out a smarter, more interactive way to browse can activate Copilot Mode from Edge's settings — and those who prefer the traditional experience can simply opt out.
Ammon
29-07-2025
- Ammon
Microsoft Edge is now an AI browser with launch of ‘Copilot Mode'
Ammon News - With demand for AI-powered browsers on the rise, Microsoft on Monday launched a new feature in its Edge browser called Copilot Mode, which allows users to browse the web while being assisted by AI. The idea is that the AI can become a helper that can understand what the user is researching, predict what they want to do, and then take action on their behalf. How well it works in practice remains to be seen, but Microsoft notes that Copilot Mode is still considered an experimental feature. It's also opt-in by default during these tests and is currently free for any Mac or PC users with access to Copilot. There are a few main components to Copilot Mode at launch, with more on the way. Once enabled, Edge users will be presented with a new tab page where they can search, chat, and navigate the web with Copilot's assistance. When visiting a specific web page, they can also turn to Copilot for more help. For example, Microsoft shows how someone might ask the AI companion if a recipe they're viewing could be made vegan instead, and Copilot suggests substitutions. This type of question is something users might ask an AI chatbot today, but this saves the step of having to paste in the content they want to reference. Or, someone could just ask the AI to simply present the recipe itself so they can skip reading through the 'life story' that now accompanies so many online recipes. In addition, Microsoft claims that Copilot can handle a variety of tasks on a user's behalf, like booking appointments, creating shopping lists, and drafting content. This 'agentic' use of the web is the next big leap in the AI browser race, but it's unclear if consumer adoption will naturally follow. The goal, of course, is to make it easier to perform everyday tasks, like reserving a room on or a flight via Kayak. However, chatting back-and-forth with an AI to go through the options and your needs isn't necessarily better or faster than just doing it yourself, depending on your familiarity with the website in question. Still, Copilot does allow for voice input, which could be handy for people who aren't as tech-savvy when it comes to booking things online, or for those who have limited mobility. (Later on, Microsoft says users will be able to give Copilot the additional context it needs, like credentials or history, to manage more advanced actions, like bookings. For now, it's a bit more manual.) What's more interesting, perhaps, is Copilot's ability to be a research companion. With the user's permission, Copilot can view all open tabs to understand what the person is browsing. This could be useful if they're doing some type of product comparison or online research, like pricing flights or hotels across multiple sites. Again, these are use cases for AI chatbots, but baking it into the browser could speed up the process of translating the user's needs to the digital helper. In the future, Copilot will also prompt people to pick up where they left off on a project or something they're researching, by recommending next steps, Microsoft says. The company stresses that Copilot will only be able to access someone's browsing content when they choose to allow it, and this will be made transparent to the end user with visual cues. However, the idea that you can now toggle on or off a feature that's able to view and listen to you while you search could leave some people unsettled. TechCrunch
