Microsoft (MSFT) is giving its Edge web browser a major upgrade with the launch of an experimental “Copilot Mode,” a new AI feature to make browsing faster and smarter. The move comes as MSFT aims to win market share from Alphabet’s (GOOGL) Google Chrome and compete with several AI startups.
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It must be noted that Copilot Mode replaces the usual new tab page with one simple box where users can type or speak to search, browse, and chat with Copilot. With permission, Copilot can look at all the open tabs to help users compare, summarize, book reservations, or organize browsing into helpful topics.
Instead of switching tabs or searching through cluttered pages, users can ask Copilot to find key information, convert data, or skip to relevant sections, like jumping straight to a recipe without the long backstory. Microsoft says this feature is part of its broader push into agentic AI, where assistants do not just respond but take action.
The new mode is currently available as a free, opt-in feature for a limited time for Windows and Mac users. Microsoft has not specified the duration of this free period or potential future changes.
Rising AI Browser Competition
The move comes as the AI browser landscape is rapidly growing. Google has already added an AI Mode to search and is building its Gemini AI assistant directly into the Chrome browser.
Beyond the tech giants, a new generation of AI browsers is emerging, such as Arc’s Dia, Perplexity’s Comet, and Opera’s (OPRA) Aria AI mode. Even MSFT-backed OpenAI is reportedly developing its own browser, which could become a strong new rival due to ChatGPT’s huge popularity.
Is MSFT Stock a Good Buy?
Turning to Wall Street, MSFT stock has a Strong Buy consensus rating based on 31 Buys and three Holds assigned in the last three months. At $554.97, the average Microsoft stock price target implies an 8.71% upside potential.
