Microsoft integrates Copilot capabilities into Edge as distinct mode is retired

Microsoft has officially retired the distinct Copilot Mode interface on its Edge browser, a move that integrates the assistant’s capabilities directly into the standard desktop and mobile versions. This structural change marks the end of an experimental phase that began in July last year, when the company initially tested the mode to allow users to search for information across multiple open browser tabs and analyse details on each page.

The update extends Copilot features to Edge for mobile devices, bringing desktop-tested functionalities to handheld screens. These include cross-tab analysis, which allows users to request structured, side-by-side comparisons of information from open tabs, and Journeys, a feature for saving projects to revisit in the future. Mobile users can now access Journeys via a redesigned tab page, enabling them to pick up planning tasks or research sessions from where they left off.

New additions to the suite include long-term memory for previous chats, allowing the assistant to recall and reference past interactions on both desktop and mobile. The update also introduces Vision and Voice modes for hands-free interaction, letting users share their screen and converse with the assistant in natural spoken language while receiving audio replies.

For productivity and education, Microsoft has added a Study and Learn mode that generates quizzes from reference tabs when users type specific commands, alongside a Writing Assistant capable of generating drafts and adjusting tone. A further feature allows users to convert open tabs into a podcast for listening, although this function is exclusive to English-speaking markets.

Users retain control over their experience, with the ability to customise which Copilot functions are active via browser settings. The integration signifies a shift from a dedicated mode to a ubiquitous assistant model, embedding AI tools directly into the core browsing experience.