Microsoft Edge is evolving, and its latest features suggest a significant leap towards a more integrated AI experience. While the existing Copilot mode offers a glimpse into this future, the upcoming enhancements are poised to redefine how users interact with their browsing environment.
Currently, Edge’s Copilot mode introduces a reimagined New Tab Page (NTP) featuring a Copilot compose box. This tool allows users to seamlessly switch between traditional address bar functionality, Bing searches, and AI-generated responses. Users can also toggle between different AI models, such as GPT-5 and o3. However, the ability to send open tabs to Copilot has been notably absent until now.
Recent observations by Windows Latest reveal a new plus icon on the NTP that enables users to “Add tabs.” Upon tapping this icon, Copilot automatically identifies open tabs, providing context for user inquiries. For instance, if a user has tabs open related to OneDrive’s dark mode and Microsoft Store pricing for cloud storage, Copilot can leverage this information to deliver accurate and relevant answers.
In testing, the integration proved to be intuitive. After adding tabs to Copilot, users are redirected to copilot.microsoft.com, where their tabs are incorporated into the conversation. This functionality allows for follow-up questions and the potential to tag additional tabs, enhancing the interactive experience. Dubbed “tab tagging,” this feature invites users to explore their browsing in a more engaging manner, hinting at a future where Edge could rival other AI-powered browsers.
Edge is testing Journeys with more people ahead of launch
Beyond Copilot, Microsoft Edge is set to introduce another innovative feature known as “Journeys,” which is expected to roll out in 2025. This feature may come with a subscription fee and aims to summarize users’ browsing history in a more structured way. According to Microsoft, these “Journeys” will manifest as cards on the New Tab Page, positioned below the Copilot compose box.
Clicking on a Journeys card will redirect users to a dedicated page summarizing their browsing activity, allowing them to revisit past tasks or explore new recommendations. Microsoft emphasizes that Copilot will transform browsing data into useful summaries while ensuring user privacy—promising that data will not be utilized for AI training or advertising purposes.
Insights from a recently accessed support document reveal that Journeys will function exclusively with personal Microsoft accounts and will require access to the last seven days of browsing history. This initial data collection aims to enhance the user experience, although it raises questions about privacy and data management. Users will have the option to toggle this feature on, although it is currently non-functional.
Microsoft assures users that while Edge will analyze browsing history for AI functionalities, it will not share this information with third parties or even internally. However, the current limitations mean that sensitive browsing history cannot be filtered out, leaving some users to ponder the implications of such data access.
As these features take shape, the anticipation surrounding AI-powered browsers continues to grow. Will Microsoft Edge successfully carve out its niche in this competitive landscape? Only time will tell.
