Microsoft relaunches Edge AI browser two days after OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas

Microsoft has refreshed its Edge “Copilot Mode” just two days after OpenAI unveiled its new AI-powered browser ChatGPT Atlas.

On 23 October, Microsoft said Copilot Mode in Edge has become “your AI browser,” adding task‑automation “Actions,” multi‑tab context, a revamped new‑tab experience, voice navigation, and a “Journeys” view that groups past browsing into topics.

Actions and Journeys are available as a limited preview in the United States, with Copilot Mode remaining opt‑in and clearly labelled when active.

Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, said the assistant can “see and reason over your open tabs … and even take actions like booking a hotel or filling out forms."

OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas

Earlier this week, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Atlas, a macOS browser with ChatGPT built in, including a persistent sidebar for on‑page summaries and analysis, a search‑first new‑tab, and a preview “agent mode” that can perform tasks across websites. Windows, iOS and Android versions have been slated to follow.

OpenAI positioned Atlas as a way to bring its assistant “anywhere across the web,” with import tools for bookmarks and passwords and granular privacy controls, including memory settings and opt‑outs.

TechCrunch described Microsoft’s relaunch as “nearly identical” to Atlas. However, Microsoft’s AI mode has been in public view since July, with this week’s update expanding its scope and prominence.

How they compare on features and availability

Both products offer on‑page assistance, multi‑tab reasoning, and agent‑style task completion within the browser.

Atlas has launched on macOS to Free, Plus, Pro and Go users, with agent mode in preview for Plus, Pro and Business; Edge’s Copilot Mode has been available on Windows and Mac in Copilot markets, with Actions and Journeys currently limited to a free U.S. preview.

Each company has stressed user control and privacy. OpenAI has highlighted memory and data‑use controls in Atlas, while Microsoft has emphasised clear indicators when Copilot is active and opt‑in access to browsing context such as history and open tabs.

Why it matters

The near‑back‑to‑back releases have signalled that the “AI browser” has become a mainstream battleground, with foundational model quality and operating‑system integration likely to determine differentiation. With OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Microsoft AI’s Suleyman both pushing agentic browsing, users have gained two high‑profile options that can research, summarise and act inside the same window.

Context from independent tests and coverage

Early coverage has reported that Edge’s new Copilot Mode has been widely available as an opt‑in and can summarise across tabs, while its agentic features have been inconsistent in testing and remain in limited preview.

Recent developments to watch

Perplexity has made its Comet AI browser available to everyone for free, broadening access beyond paid tiers.

Google has integrated Gemini more deeply into Chrome, adding multi‑tab context and preparing an “AI Mode” for the omnibox.

Microsoft has introduced “Mico,” a new Copilot character for voice mode, reflecting a broader push toward more personal, animated assistants.