- Microsoft Edge version 136 integrates Copilot directly into the new tab page.
- The traditional search icon is replaced by the Copilot icon, redirecting all queries to the AI.
- The new "Copilot Mode" transforms the interface and offers AI-powered features and contextual personalization.
- The rollout is gradual, with adjustable privacy options and optional features like 'Context Cues'.
Microsoft Edge 136 is marking a before and after in the browser world with the arrival of a long-awaited update in the last week of May. This version clearly bets on artificial intelligence as the core of the experience and, for many users of Windows 11 and other platforms, it marks the arrival of Copilot as an essential part of everyday browsing.
Copilot integration in Edge It is not a simple improvement punctual: now on the new tab page, the usual search icon (formerly occupied by Bing) disappears to give way to CopilotAny interaction in that search box sends queries directly to the AI assistant, which suggests results and personalized suggestions based on the user's history and context.
A smart, responsive new tab page
With the advent of Edge version 136, users encounter a Copilot-first interface Over traditional MSN website or news suggestions. As soon as you open a new tab, an AI window appears with query suggestions and searches optimized for Copilot, pushing other browser features into the background.
Among the most notable new features is a renewed search engine which no longer directs to Bing, but instead links to Microsoft's Copilot platform. Additionally, the page suggests several prompts so the user can take advantage of AI from the start and start conversations or complex searches in a matter of seconds.
This change furthers Microsoft's strategy of positioning Copilot as the central engine for all searches and offers a much more interactive and personalized experience compared to previous versions of the browser.
Copilot Mode: A Tailor-Made AI Experience
Another of the most striking features is the introduction of the «Copilot Mode», optional and configurable through the experimental menu edge: // flags and then from the browser settings. Once activated, the interface is completely transformed to give even more prominence to AI: MSN widgets, the traditional search bar, and any elements that could distract from the Copilot-centric experience are gone.
With this mode, Microsoft is betting on navigation powered by artificial intelligence., which prioritizes contextual responses and personalized help. Although some users have stated that the feature isn't yet available for everyone, it's just a matter of time before it's rolled out in successive updates, in what appears to be a phased rollout.
Context Clues: AI That Adapts to What You See
Among the most discussed new features within the "Copilot Mode" is the function of «Context clues»This option, which users can enable or disable at will, allows Copilot to analyze the web page you're viewing, your browsing history, and your preferences within Edge to provide much more tailored and helpful responses.
This feature has raised some concerns among privacy-conscious users, as it implies that the AI will have access to sensitive user information. Microsoft has clarified that It is an optional feature and requires explicit consent, while also emphasizing that, in principle, this data is not used to train Copilot.
The controversy surrounding privacy and the level of customization hasn't stopped the option from being on the table, leaving the final say in the hands of those who will actually use it.
Phased rollout and how to activate Copilot Mode
El launch of these new features This is being rolled out gradually across all Edge channels. While some users are already enjoying Copilot Mode and the new Smart Tab app, others may not see the changes immediately. For those impatient or curious, there's the option to force activation via Edge's experimental flags menu (edge: // flags), searching for the “Copilot Mode” option and activating it manually from the browser settings.
The process involves two steps: first, activate the corresponding flag and restart Edge; then, go to Settings and turn on the feature, where you'll find the various modes and sub-options to choose from.
Other improvements and additional context
The Edge update doesn't just affect Copilot integration. In the same release, several issues related to the PDFs (particularly with Japanese fonts), background extension management, and unexpected window closing in protected environments. Additionally, in Beta channels, experimenting with new content filtering tools specifically designed for the educational and professional sectors, although these do not directly affect Copilot.
There is no doubt that Microsoft Edge 136 confirms a clear commitment to integrating artificial intelligence and offer a more personalized and efficient browsing experience, adapting to each user's needs according to their preferences and privacy.
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