Hailed by Microsoft as its “next step towards building a more powerful way to pilot the web”, Copilot Mode is a new opt-in service that can be found within the Microsoft Edge browser.
We explain everything we know about the newly launched Copilot Mode, including what it can do, how it works and, most importantly, whether your data is safe.
What is Copilot Mode?
Copilot Mode is an AI-powered tool in Edge that’s promised to “enhance your browser.” Microsoft explains when the tool is enabled you’ll find a streamlined page with a single input box, one that’s reminiscent of ChatGPT, which “brings together chat, search and web navigation.”
Copilot Mode sees all your open tabs, so it can “understand the full context” of what you’re trying to do. Microsoft gives the example that “when researching vacation rentals across multiple sites” and open tabs, you can simply chat with Copilot to “quickly identify” one that best suits your needs.
Plus, Copilot in Edge also supports natural voice navigation too, which means you can speak directly to the AI assistant and ask for help navigating the web or finding the cheapest option when online shopping. Microsoft promises you can “just say what you need, and Copilot will help you move faster”.
How to access Copilot Mode?
To experience Copilot Mode, you’ll need to manually opt-in to the service by following the steps via aka.ms/copilot-mode. Once you’ve opted-in, you are then free to turn Copilot Mode on or off from your Edge browser settings.
Launched on July 28th, Copilot Mode is available to try for free, although Microsoft has stipulated this is for a “limited time”. Copilot Mode can be found in all Copilot markets, including the US and UK, and on Edge for Windows and Mac too.
Are there any features coming soon to Copilot Mode?
Although Copilot Mode has just launched, Microsoft has already teased some upcoming features. Soon, Copilot will be able to access additional browser context such as your history and credentials for “more advanced and seamless actions”, although this will only be available after you’ve given Copilot the permission to do so. This will allow Copilot to do anything from booking reservations to managing errands on your behalf.
Also coming soon to Copilot Mode is journeys, which organises your browsing with suggestions for what to do next. For example, if you’ve searched how to start an online business, Copilot will show you relevant insights and recommendations to help you begin.
Is Copilot Mode safe?
Copilot Mode is an opt-in service, which users can turn on and off as they wish via their Edge settings. If users do decide to opt-in, then Edge will display clear, visual cues on your browser when Copilot is viewing or listening.
Microsoft promises that it will only collect the data it needs or that you choose to provide via Personalization settings. Microsoft explains that your data is protected under “Microsoft’s trusted privacy standards” and is never shared without your permission.
Opinion
The thought of Copilot constantly watching your tabs feels eerily akin to the controversial Recall feature. Sure, there will be visual cues to tell you when it’s alert and watching but it still feels almost like an invasion of privacy with arguably not much reward.
While Copilot Mode may be useful when searching for holiday homes or ensuring you nab the lowest price when online shopping, at this stage it doesn’t feel as though there’s anything particularly standout here.
