In the latest developments surrounding Microsoft Edge, the tech giant is exploring a more profound integration of its Copilot feature, as indicated by recent references found in Edge Canary. Among the intriguing possibilities is a Copilot-powered troubleshooter that could be embedded within the Settings menu, enhancing user experience by providing assistance directly when needed. Furthermore, an experimental feature may soon enable Copilot to automatically launch in the sidebar upon opening the browser on both Windows 11 and Windows 10, streamlining access to this AI tool.
Currently, while Edge does offer a Copilot sidebar, the question remains: does this qualify it as an AI-powered browser? Interestingly, the Edge app has been labeled as such on the Google Play Store, prompting Microsoft to reinforce its commitment to showcasing the capabilities of Copilot within the browser.
According to insights from Windows Latest, a new “Ask Copilot” button may soon appear in the Settings app. Although details are sparse, this feature could potentially allow users to request assistance from Copilot when encountering difficulties with browser settings or functionality. The reference, dubbed “msSettingsAskCopilot,” hints at a user-friendly approach to troubleshooting.
Additionally, two other references—msCopilotAutoOpenOnNtp and msCopilotAutoOpenOnNtpTrigger—suggest that Copilot may automatically activate when a new tab is opened or when the browser is launched. Currently, users must hover over the Copilot icon to access it, but these experiments indicate a shift towards more intuitive interactions.
Microsoft has a history of experimenting with new features in Edge Canary, and while not all make it to the final product, the potential for innovation remains high. Among the new features under consideration is something intriguingly named “Edge Companion.” While the specifics are yet unclear, it may relate to Copilot Vision, which enables users to engage with web content through voice commands, allowing real-time inquiries about what is displayed on the screen. This could evolve into a more sophisticated Companion experience with enhanced integration.
Edge scareware blocker with version 133
In addition to these advancements, Microsoft Edge has recently introduced an AI-driven feature known as the “Scareware Blocker.” This tool aims to safeguard users from online scams by analyzing webpage content and blocking access to potentially harmful sites in real-time. Currently rolling out in Edge version 133 for Windows 11, the Scareware Blocker utilizes undisclosed AI models, yet initial tests suggest it performs exceptionally well.
As Microsoft continues to refine its AI capabilities, it is anticipated that the Scareware Blocker will improve over time, enhancing its ability to recognize and mitigate scam patterns. This development positions Edge’s Scareware Blocker as a formidable complement to the existing Microsoft Defender SmartScreen Protection, further solidifying Edge’s reputation as a secure browsing option.