With Microsoft Edge’s “Copilot Mode,” Microsoft made its boldest foray into AI-powered browsing yet. From Actions to Journeys and tab summation, this mode is set to redefine the very definitions of browsing-allowing users to ask questions in natural language, letting the browser perform multi-step tasks, and revisiting sessions later with narrative clarity. That sounds like a mixed blessing-a browser experience that at least partly feels like a personal assistant rather than just a search engine.

Real Delta: Tab Summarization and Research Streamlining

The biggest feature I found was the one true genius in AI-capsule summarization of several tabs open at once. I had open tabs with each option for flight travel, hotel comparison, and suggestion of restaurant. Copilot could turn that into action with a single instruction. This was neat, worked well, and saved time jumping between tabs-a win in productivity. Journeys allows the record to be picked up later, which is huge.

Handy but Deficient: Automated Actions with Varying Levels of Success

But the “Actions” function starts to show its more serious limitations. For instance, I told the browser: “find a nearby Italian restaurant with a table for two this evening,” and AI suggested possible destinations. Then I had to iron out the details to complete the reservation all on my own. While it is working through portions of the task, true end-to-end automated actions are something of a mixed bag. In principle, it sounds very good, but in practice, it may still be a work in progress.

Privacy and Accessibility: Either Way, It Is Your Decision

Importantly, it is not going to clash with normal browsing-it is entirely optional. Control was a theme emphasized by Microsoft: the AI must ask permission to access the open tabs or any browsing history. Under such transparency and opt-in control, the required levels of access feel right. It can still be used in exactly the same way as before for all users who are not comfortable with that kind of development under the Edge moniker.

Adoption by an AI Browser

Microsoft Edge now comes with intelligent enhancements that will be an asset to professionals, researchers or anyone managing many tabs and tasks. Time is saved, and mess mitigated with the ability to summarize and continue during sessions. However, be cautious with “Actions” if usage involves a lot of automation, complex web workflows or high privacy stakes. The future of browsing is obviously going to be smarter-but we’re just starting at the early chapters of that story.

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News Source: Pcmag.com