Microsoft Edge expands Copilot Mode with voice assistance and contextual browsing

Microsoft has introduced an expansion of Copilot Mode functionalities in the Edge browser, introducing tools that allow interaction with the browser through voice commands and automatically recover browsing context from previous sessions. The update, initially available in the United States, incorporates three main features that modify traditional browser interaction.

The first function, called Copilot Actions, allows executing tasks through voice or text instructions. The system can perform simple actions like opening web pages or locating specific information without needing to scroll through content. It also handles more complex operations, such as canceling newsletter subscriptions by reviewing email or making restaurant reservations. This functionality is available for free in a limited preview for US users.

The second addition is Journeys, a system that automatically groups browsing history into thematic projects. This tool organizes previous browsing sessions by topics and suggests next steps related to each project. Access to this information requires explicit user authorization and can be deactivated at any time.

The update also allows Copilot Mode to access the user's browsing history, with prior authorization, to generate more accurate responses. The system can reference previously consulted content, such as products viewed in previous sessions or movie preferences, to offer personalized recommendations. This function must be manually activated in the page context settings.

Microsoft maintains the option to toggle between Copilot mode and the traditional browser experience through an activation control. When Copilot Mode is active, the browser displays visual indicators that inform about the actions the assistant is executing, listening to, or viewing. The company specifies that data collection is limited to what is necessary for service operation or to information the user authorizes through personalization settings.

The browser also incorporates artificial intelligence-based security features, such as a scareware blocker that uses local processing to detect full-screen scam attempts, activated by default on compatible devices. Copilot Mode in Edge is available in all markets where Copilot operates, exclusively for Windows and Mac versions of the browser, with a launch planned soon for the mobile app.

Key points

• Microsoft Edge expands Copilot Mode with voice commands to execute simple and complex tasks
• Journeys automatically groups browsing history into thematic projects to recover previous sessions
• Allows access to user history, with prior authorization, to offer personalized responses
• Copilot Actions can handle tasks like canceling subscriptions or making restaurant reservations
• Users can toggle between Copilot Mode and traditional browser experience at any time
• Includes scareware blocker with local processing on compatible devices
• Initially available in the United States in free limited preview