Microsoft Edge 136 marks a significant evolution in web browsing by integrating Copilot AI directly into the New Tab Page (NTP), signaling a shift towards an AI-first experience on Windows 11. This integration introduces several features designed to enhance user interaction and productivity.
Copilot Integration on the New Tab Page
With Edge 136, users will notice Copilot prompts within the NTP's search box. Selecting these prompts opens Copilot with the query preloaded, facilitating immediate AI assistance. Additionally, the traditional Bing or Search icon in the search box is replaced with the Copilot icon, directing queries to Copilot at copilot.microsoft.com. This change streamlines the transition from conventional search to AI-driven interactions.
Enabling Copilot Mode
To fully utilize Copilot's capabilities, users can activate "Edge Copilot Mode" through the browser's experimental features:
- Navigate to
edge://flagsand search for "Edge Copilot Mode." - Enable the feature and restart the browser.
- Go to Settings > Copilot Mode and manually turn it on.
- Copilot-Inspired New Tab Page: This feature allows Copilot to take over the NTP, replacing the Bing search bar and MSN content with a Copilot-centric interface.
- Context Clues: When enabled, Copilot can provide AI-generated answers based on the current webpage, browser history, or user preferences. This feature is optional and requires manual activation, ensuring user control over data usage.
The integration of Copilot into the NTP offers a cleaner, more streamlined interface by reducing clutter from traditional news feeds and focusing on AI-driven assistance. However, features like "Context Clues" raise privacy considerations, as they involve accessing browsing history and preferences to tailor responses. Microsoft emphasizes that these features are optional and require user consent, allowing individuals to maintain control over their data.
Conclusion
The introduction of Copilot AI in Microsoft Edge 136 represents a pivotal move towards integrating AI into everyday browsing, aiming to enhance productivity and user engagement. While these advancements offer promising benefits, users should remain informed about privacy settings and exercise discretion when enabling features that access personal data.
Source: Windows Latest Microsoft Edge 136 begins shift to AI first browsing on Windows 11
