Microsoft earlierAnnounceThe dedicated feature will be officially retired in its Edge browser."Copilot mode" (Copilot Mode). However, this does not mean that Microsoft has backed down in its AI strategy, but rather that Copilot's features are now "ubiquitous," directly and natively embedded in the underlying experience of the desktop and mobile Edge browsers.
From Desktop to Mobile: AI Experiences That Break Down Screen Boundaries
Microsoft began testing Copilot mode last July, and its most notable feature at the time was its ability to analyze information across multiple open tabs. Now, this feature has not only officially launched but has also been released simultaneously on the mobile Edge browser. Users can now directly issue commands to their phones, such as, "Compare the specifications of smart TVs in all the tabs I currently have open," and Copilot will automatically retrieve information from each tab and generate structured side-by-side comparative analysis results.
In addition, the mobile version of the Edge browser also brings several major updates:
• Journeys (a journey) cross-device integration:This feature is now available for free on mobile. Whether you're planning a trip or comparing prices online, the system will save your entire project's progress, allowing you to seamlessly continue on different devices anytime, days or weeks later.
• Vision and Voice:Mobile users can now "share their screen" with Copilot and ask questions about what they see on the screen using voice. This hands-free, accessible browsing experience allows users to receive voice answers in the most natural conversational way.
Long-term memory and brand-new productivity tools are now available.
To make its AI assistant "understand you" better, Microsoft has officially endowed Copilot with long-term memory capabilities and allowed it to access users' browsing history. This means Copilot can recall and refer to previous conversations, and even help find unfinished discussion threads on social media from days ago, or continue previous research topics.
In terms of productivity and learning tools, this update also brings some impressive and practical features:
• Study and Learn (Learning Mode):Designed specifically for students and researchers. Simply type "Test me on this topic" next to the page in the references, and Copilot will automatically generate interactive quizzes and guided learning plans.
• Writing Assistant:Built into the browser, it can help you draft articles, rewrite paragraphs, and adjust the tone at any time.
• Pagination to Podcast (Podcast Generation):This is one of the most futuristic features in this update. Users can directly convert the content of an opened webpage into a podcast audio clip, absorbing information by listening during commutes or exercise (currently this feature is only available in the English-speaking market).
Of course, privacy-conscious users need not worry excessively. Microsoft emphasizes that all Copilot features are optional, and users can freely enable, disable, or customize their own AI experience at any time in the Edge browser's settings.
