Microsoft turns Edge into AI browser with new Copilot Mode, challenges OpenAI Atlas

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New Delhi: Microsoft has officially entered the AI browser race with a major upgrade to its Edge browser, rolling out a new Copilot Mode that transforms the browser into an AI-powered assistant. The launch comes just two days after OpenAI announced its own Atlas browser, igniting fresh interest and debate over what the future of web browsing will look like in the AI era.

While Microsoft and OpenAI are strategic partners, their products are increasingly heading towards direct competition. Edge with Copilot Mode is not just adding AI features on top of an existing browser. It is being positioned as a full AI browsing platform, one that can analyse user activity, understand intent and take actions on behalf of the user.

Edge transforms into an AI-first browser

According to Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, the new Copilot Mode is meant to serve as “a dynamic, intelligent companion” that actively helps the user across tasks. With user permission, the AI can access tabs, summarise content, compare information and even perform actions like booking hotels or filling out online forms.

Microsoft had already introduced a basic Copilot feature earlier, capable of voice navigation and web search assistance. The latest update brings two advanced capabilities that set it apart:

  • Actions: Allows the AI to execute tasks directly on websites such as making reservations or completing checkout pages.
  • Journeys: Keeps track of user activity across tabs, offering contextual suggestions or reminders without requiring users to repeat previous searches.

This shift places Edge in the same category as Perplexity’s AI browser and OpenAI’s Atlas, marking a new phase where web browsers are not passive tools but active participants in the browsing experience.

Atlas vs Copilot:

Edge Copilot and OpenAI Atlas share a similar interface design with a simplified layout and persistent AI assistant panel. Both are built around the idea that users want AI to help with research, planning and decision-making directly inside the browser, rather than toggling between chatbots and traditional tabs.

The key difference lies in the underlying technology. Microsoft’s Copilot Mode relies on models integrated across Windows, Azure and Office, giving it deep access to productivity features. OpenAI Atlas, on the other hand, is powered fully by GPT models and is built to be service-agnostic.

AI enthusiasts noticed the launch timing, but Microsoft clarified that the Copilot browser evolution has been in development before Atlas was publicly announced.

What Copilot Mode can do

During the launch, Microsoft showcased how Copilot can track a user journey like planning a trip:

  • It analyses tabs containing hotel pages, compares prices
  • Pulls information into a side panel
  • Completes booking forms with stored user details

In another example, users can ask Copilot to create a summary of multiple webpages open across tabs and generate a comparison sheet automatically, like maybe when buying a smartphone.

These abilities bring Edge closer to a productivity assistant than a traditional browser.