Microsoft's Edge browser gets experimental Copilot Mode that lets AI view all your tabs

Microsoft has launched a new experimental and free Copilot Mode for its Edge browser, which integrates AI features and grants AI access to view your tabs. Microsoft says that it's designed as a collaborator that "cuts through clutter and removes friction" while being built with the "highest Microsoft standards" for security, privacy, and performance.

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How does it work? Well, once you open up a new tab in Edge with Copilot Mode, you'll be presented with a clean and straightforward page containing the Copilot input box that combines "chat, search, and web navigation." Yes, the AI will also have visibility of all the tabs you have open, so you can ask it to do things like compare and answer questions about the things you're looking at.

One of the earliest examples in Microsoft's videos explaining the new Copilot Mode feature includes a traveller looking at a variety of hotels and wondering which one is located closest to the beach that also includes a full kitchen.

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The presentation of the results will be familiar to anyone who has used Copilot in Windows, with answers and summaries presented in an easy-to-digest text format. You can also use Copilot to perform tasks like locating specific information on an open page or ask it to open a few tabs. "Just say what you need, and Copilot will help you move faster with less clicking and typing," Microsoft writes in the announcement.

This is seemingly just the beginning as Copilot Mode is set to be upgraded to include access to browser history and even your personal information. With this, Copilot will offer suggestions and options to pick up where you left off, whether that is researching a particular topic or making a purchase.

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You'll also be able to ask Copilot to make you a booking or buy tickets for an event. In the "Find me a paddleboard rental near work" example, Copilot checks the weather, makes the booking, provides additional tutorial information to help prepare, and even suggests taking sunscreen. Naturally, giving AI full access to your browser history brings up a broad range of privacy and security concerns, which Microsoft says is its "utmost priority."

"With Copilot Mode in Edge, your data is protected under Microsoft's trusted privacy standards that are built to keep your information safe, secure, and never shared without your permission. 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."

Copilot Mode is an opt-in experience, with Microsoft noting that it's free for a limited time, indicating that it may become a paid-for AI browsing assistant in the future.