Microsoft Edge's latest stable release, version 138, introduces a suite of AI-driven enhancements, further embedding Microsoft's Copilot into the browsing experience. These updates aim to streamline user interactions, bolster productivity, and refine search capabilities.
Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat Summarization
A notable addition is the integration of Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat into the Edge context menu. This feature enables users to swiftly summarize and query the content of their active webpage. By right-clicking on a page, users can select the "Chat with Copilot" option, prompting Copilot to generate concise summaries or answer specific questions about the page's content. This functionality is particularly beneficial for enterprise users who frequently navigate extensive documents or reports, allowing for rapid comprehension and information retrieval. (learn.microsoft.com)
Copilot Integration on the New Tab Page
Edge 138 also introduces Copilot features directly onto the New Tab Page (NTP). Users may now encounter suggested work and productivity-related Copilot prompts adjacent to the search box. Additionally, a Copilot icon within the search box allows users to send their current search queries directly to Copilot, facilitating a more interactive and efficient search experience. This integration aims to provide users with immediate assistance and relevant suggestions, enhancing overall productivity. (support.microsoft.com)
AI-Powered History Search
Another significant enhancement is the AI-powered history search feature. This allows users to locate previously visited websites using natural language phrases, synonyms, or even minor spelling errors. Powered by an on-device AI model, this feature ensures that user data remains local and is not transmitted to Microsoft servers, addressing privacy concerns. The AI-driven history search is designed to make retrieving past information more intuitive and efficient. (thurrott.com)
Enterprise Data Protection and Management
For enterprise users, Edge 138 emphasizes data protection and management. When signed in with a Microsoft Entra account, users benefit from enterprise data protection (EDP) within Copilot Chat. This ensures that sensitive organizational data is handled securely. Administrators also have the capability to manage and disable specific features, such as the Copilot integration on the NTP and AI-powered history search, aligning with organizational policies and compliance requirements. (support.microsoft.com)
Additional Enhancements
Beyond AI integrations, Edge 138 introduces several other improvements:
- Media Control Center: A centralized hub for managing audio and video content across different tabs, allowing users to play, pause, skip tracks, and more, enhancing the multimedia experience. (windowsreport.com)
- Improved Profile Management: External links now open using the Primary Work profile by default, ensuring a consistent experience for enterprise users. (windowsreport.com)
- Enhanced Autofill Accuracy: A new toggle in personal information settings allows users to share web content from field labels, improving the precision of autofill functionalities. (windowsreport.com)
The integration of AI features into Microsoft Edge signifies a strategic move to enhance user productivity and streamline browsing experiences. The Copilot Chat summarization and AI-powered history search are particularly noteworthy, offering users efficient tools to manage and retrieve information. The emphasis on on-device processing for the history search addresses privacy concerns, ensuring user data remains local.
However, the pervasive integration of AI into various facets of the browser may raise concerns about user autonomy and the potential for information overload. While these features are designed to assist, they may also lead to a more cluttered interface or unintended distractions. Additionally, the reliance on AI models necessitates continuous updates and monitoring to ensure accuracy and relevance, posing challenges for both developers and users.
In conclusion, Microsoft Edge 138's AI-driven enhancements offer promising tools for improved productivity and user experience. However, careful consideration and user feedback are essential to balance innovation with usability and privacy.
Source: Windows Central Microsoft Edge's latest stable channel update adds MORE AI — All Copilot all the time
