The Digital Press

Microsoft has expanded its AI assistant in the Edge browser with a new "Copilot Mode," positioning it as an AI browser that assists users dynamically while they surf the web. This update comes just days after OpenAI unveiled a very similar AI-powered browser called Atlas.

Why it matters: Microsoft aims to make browsing more interactive by integrating AI that can read tabs, summarize content, and perform tasks like booking hotels.

The big picture: Both Microsoft and OpenAI are racing to lead the emerging AI browser space, reflecting intense competition in AI-enhanced user experiences.

The other side: Despite the hype, Microsoft’s Copilot Mode was actually launched in July, and the new features are iterative, not a brand-new product.

Commenters say: Many see the overlap between Microsoft’s and OpenAI’s AI browsers as striking, with some dubbing it the "Zune of AI browsers," implying skepticism about originality and impact.