Here is a clear, human-readable summary of the article, structured in well-organized paragraphs and targeting approximately 800 words:
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**Exploring Microsoft Edge's New Copilot Mode: An AI Assistant for Smarter Shopping and Browsing**
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into our digital lives, web browsers are evolving beyond simple tools for viewing websites. Microsoft’s Edge browser is at the forefront of this trend with its new Copilot Mode, an AI-powered assistant designed to streamline everything from web searches to online shopping. This article details a hands-on experience with Copilot Mode, comparing it to similar AI browsers and examining its real-world usefulness—especially for making complex purchasing decisions.
**The Rise of AI Browsers and Smarter Shopping**
The author begins by reflecting on their recent experience using ChatGPT’s Atlas AI browser to handle Walmart shopping tasks. This piqued their curiosity about how other AI browsers, such as Microsoft Edge with its newly enhanced Copilot Mode, might compare—particularly in the context of comparison shopping for a new space heater. Unlike traditional “best product” lists that may lack firsthand testing, the goal was to see if Edge’s AI features could provide a more nuanced, efficient, and personalized shopping experience.
**Intuitive Search and Prompting**
Edge’s Copilot Mode introduces a smarter search experience. Instead of defaulting to Bing for all queries, the search bar interprets user intent, deciding whether to conduct a web search, open a site, or launch a chat with Copilot. This dual-purpose prompt field echoes the convenience of Chrome’s omnibox but adds a layer of AI-driven reasoning.
For instance, when the user searched for “best energy-efficient heaters for large rooms,” Edge produced relevant shopping results. When asked, “When is the best time of year to buy heaters on sale?” Copilot switched to a conversational mode, offering sales tips and linking reliable sources. Users can also select different reasoning modes—such as quick response or deeper analysis—tailoring the AI’s approach to their needs.
**Multi-Tab Context and Comparison Shopping**
One standout feature is Copilot’s ability to analyze multiple open tabs simultaneously—a boon for anyone comparing products. The author opened tabs for several heaters, including models from Dyson, Dr. Infrared, De’Longhi, and Dreo, and asked Copilot to compare them for power and energy efficiency. Within seconds, Copilot generated a comparison chart summarizing power output, coverage, smart features, price, and more. It recommended specific models based on the user’s criteria, saving research time and providing clarity often missing from generic buying guides.
Next, the author asked for cost analysis based on their local electricity rates, allowing Copilot to recommend the most economical heater for continuous winter use. Using Edge’s @tab reference feature, the user could further refine comparisons, focusing only on select products. Copilot even pulled and summarized real customer reviews for longevity and efficiency, offering insights that would normally take hours to gather manually.
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