Microsoft has rolled out version 138 of its Edge browser, introducing significant features aimed at enhancing user experience and performance. The update includes an AI-powered history search and performance slowdown alerts, reflecting Microsoft’s commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into its products while addressing user concerns about efficiency and privacy.
AI-Powered History Search Enhances Browsing Experience
The standout feature in Edge 138 is the AI-enhanced history search, designed to help users locate previously visited websites more efficiently. Unlike traditional history searches that require exact keywords or URLs, this new feature allows users to use natural language queries, synonyms, or even phrases with minor spelling errors to find past web pages. For instance, a user searching for a site about “artificial intelligence” might find it by typing “machine learning” or even “artifical inteligance.”
This functionality is powered by an on-device AI model, ensuring that user data remains private and is not transmitted to Microsoft’s servers. The feature is being rolled out gradually and can be disabled by IT administrators through a new policy setting, providing flexibility for enterprise environments.
Performance Alerts Notify Users of Resource-Heavy Tabs
In addition to the AI-powered history search, Edge 138 introduces performance notifications aimed at improving browser efficiency. When the browser detects performance dips, such as tabs consuming excessive resources, it will notify users through the main menu. These alerts guide users to available performance-optimization tools, helping maintain a responsive browsing experience.
Additional Features and Enhancements
Edge 138 also brings several other updates:
- Media Control Center: A new hub allows users to manage audio and video playback across different tabs, including launching picture-in-picture mode and casting media to other devices.
- Profile Management: For enterprise users, Edge can now use the Primary Work Profile by default when opening external links, ensuring a consistent experience.
- Autofill Improvements: A new consent toggle in the personal information settings allows Microsoft to improve autofill capabilities by collecting field names as users browse. This data collection is limited to field labels and does not include user-entered data.
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Integration: Enterprise users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription can access a summarization feature in the browser’s context menu, enabling quick insights into open pages. Additionally, Copilot is integrated into Edge’s search box and new tab page, offering suggested work and productivity-related prompts.
Privacy and User Control
Microsoft emphasizes that the AI-powered features in Edge 138 are designed with user privacy in mind. The on-device AI model for history search ensures that browsing data remains local, addressing concerns about data security. Furthermore, the gradual rollout and administrative controls allow users and organizations to manage the adoption of these new features according to their preferences.
Conclusion
The release of Microsoft Edge 138 marks a significant step in the browser’s evolution, integrating AI to enhance user experience while maintaining a focus on privacy and performance. As these features become more widely available, users can expect a more intuitive and responsive browsing experience.
