Microsoft has rolled out a major update to its Edge browser, unveiling Copilot Mode, a fully integrated, AI-driven browsing experience that arrives just 48 hours after OpenAI introduced its own Atlas browser.
The announcement, made on Thursday, marks a significant leap in Microsoft’s AI ambitions, transforming Edge into what the company calls an “AI browser.” Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, described the development as “your dynamic, intelligent companion.” He explained that, with user consent, Copilot can now analyse open tabs, summarise and compare information, and even perform tasks such as booking hotels or filling out forms.
Initially launched in July with limited voice and search features, Copilot Mode attracted little fanfare. However, this latest update introduces two key innovations: “Actions,” allowing Copilot to complete user-directed tasks, and “Journeys,” which map relationships between open tabs to help users connect ideas and revisit previous workflows more efficiently.
The move comes hot on the heels of OpenAI’s Atlas browser, which shares a similar minimalist interface and AI-driven user experience. Both platforms aim to integrate intelligent assistance directly into browsing, moving beyond traditional extensions or standalone chatbots. The near-simultaneous launches have sparked lively debate within the tech community about rivalry, collaboration, and convergence in the rapidly accelerating AI landscape.
While Microsoft’s Copilot Mode fits seamlessly within its productivity-focused AI ecosystem, comparisons with Atlas are inevitable. Side-by-side demonstrations highlight near-identical layouts - a clean, tab-centric design featuring an embedded chatbot window. The key distinction lies in their underlying technology: Copilot runs on Microsoft’s proprietary infrastructure and large language models, while Atlas is powered by OpenAI’s GPT framework.
Ultimately, this week’s dual launches underscore a pivotal moment in the AI arms race where the browser itself becomes an intelligent platform. As users weigh Microsoft’s integrated approach against OpenAI’s offering, factors such as speed, privacy, and ecosystem compatibility may determine which intelligent browser gains the upper hand.
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