Microsoft Edge's "Find on Page" feature has long been a staple for users seeking specific text within a webpage. Traditionally, this function allowed users to locate exact matches of words or phrases by pressing
The Smart Find feature leverages artificial intelligence to improve the traditional "Find on Page" functionality. One of its standout capabilities is recognizing and suggesting corrections for misspelled search terms. For instance, if a user types "teh" instead of "the," Smart Find will identify the intended word and highlight its occurrences on the page. Additionally, the feature suggests synonyms and related matches, broadening the scope of search results beyond exact word matches. This ensures that users can locate relevant information even if they don't remember the exact wording used on the page. (winaero.com)
In conclusion, Microsoft's integration of AI into Edge's "Find on Page" feature represents a significant step toward more intelligent and user-friendly web browsing. By combining traditional search functionalities with AI-driven insights, users can navigate and comprehend web content more efficiently. However, as with all AI integrations, balancing enhanced functionality with user privacy remains a critical consideration.
Source: Windows Report Microsoft Edge's Find on Page getting Copilot Suggestions
Ctrl+F or selecting the option from the browser's menu. However, with the release of Edge version 118, Microsoft has introduced an AI-powered enhancement known as "Smart Find," designed to make in-page searches more intuitive and efficient.
Introduction to Smart Find
The Smart Find feature leverages artificial intelligence to improve the traditional "Find on Page" functionality. One of its standout capabilities is recognizing and suggesting corrections for misspelled search terms. For instance, if a user types "teh" instead of "the," Smart Find will identify the intended word and highlight its occurrences on the page. Additionally, the feature suggests synonyms and related matches, broadening the scope of search results beyond exact word matches. This ensures that users can locate relevant information even if they don't remember the exact wording used on the page. (winaero.com)Integration with Copilot
Building upon the Smart Find functionality, Microsoft is testing deeper integration with its AI assistant, Copilot, in the Edge browser's Canary version. When users input a term in the Find bar, Copilot now offers contextual suggestions such as, "What does this page say about 'X'?" where 'X' is the user's search query. Clicking on this prompt opens a detailed response in the Sidebar, providing a summary or relevant information related to the query. This integration aims to offer users a more comprehensive understanding of the content without manually sifting through the entire page.Privacy Considerations
While these AI-driven features enhance user experience, they also raise privacy concerns. To provide personalized suggestions and accurate responses, Copilot may access users' browsing history and page content. Microsoft has implemented settings that allow users to control this data access. By navigating toSettings > Sidebar > App and Notification Settings, users can toggle options like "Allow Microsoft to access page content" and "Allow Microsoft to access browsing history." Disabling these settings ensures that personal data isn't used to tailor AI responses, offering users control over their privacy. (geekrewind.com)User Feedback and Future Prospects
The introduction of AI-powered features in Edge has elicited mixed reactions. Some users appreciate the enhanced functionality and time-saving aspects, while others express concerns about data privacy and the potential for information overload. It's important to note that features tested in Edge's Canary or Dev versions may not always make it to the stable release. Microsoft often uses these channels to gather user feedback and refine features before a broader rollout.In conclusion, Microsoft's integration of AI into Edge's "Find on Page" feature represents a significant step toward more intelligent and user-friendly web browsing. By combining traditional search functionalities with AI-driven insights, users can navigate and comprehend web content more efficiently. However, as with all AI integrations, balancing enhanced functionality with user privacy remains a critical consideration.
Source: Windows Report Microsoft Edge's Find on Page getting Copilot Suggestions
