The era of intelligent assistants integrated into web browsers is accelerating. Microsoft, Perplexity, Brave, and Opera, among others, now adopt artificial intelligence (AI) as a revolutionary development capable of transfiguring our online experience. Microsoft launched the War at the end of the week for the general public!
In this new technological race, Microsoft struck hard with a new Copilot mode of its Edge browser. Based on an advanced AI, but which is not free from hallucinations, this functionality makes it possible to summarize your pages, compare offers on several sites or even perform certain tasks in your name, all in natural language.
Edge to conquer the general public
Yes, Edge reinvents internet research and navigation. Now, just ask the Copilot assistant a question, in a space to the right of navigation, to receive a summary or comparative analyzes, even personalized recommendations. All features are detailed and presented on the official website, which underlines that this mode is still experimental.
Copilot activation is also simpler: a click in the Edge settings, without installation of additional modules. The start is almost instant! This innovative mode concentrates all research in a unique bar and even offers vocal access, for a fluid and accessible experience.
Personal assistant or secret agent?
However, if we rent the potentialities and a certain conviviality of the Copilot mode of Edge, one cannot ignore the questions related to confidentiality. EDGE specifies that certain advanced capacities require access to user data, and sometimes to navigation history or online accounts. Indeed, more precise recommendations require wide access to data.
But Microsoft Edge is not the only one to propose this revolution: Comet, signed Perplexity, pushes the automation of tasks and the integration of artificial intelligence into the interface. However, this offer is distinguished by costly positioning and a model based on the intensive user data exploitation, raising serious concerns in privacy.
Between innovation and vigilance
Other browsers, such as brave with his assistant Leo or Opera with Aria or Neon, also bet on intelligent piloting and greater respect for confidentiality. The initiatives are multiplying, but not all of them are equal, the quality of the assistant largely depending on the power of the on -board AI and the ethical choices of each publisher. Not to mention the additional costs with Leo (number of limited requirements) or Perplexity which only offers its ferret to pay off subscribers.
At the time of digital personal agents, the choice of a browser can no longer be limited to speed or general ergonomics. It is now necessary to examine the performance of AI, transparency on data processing as well as the adequacy between technological promises and our real needs of experienced internet users. So far I must admit that Comet is the most powerful AI browser. We will come back to this soon.
XS
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