Microsoft Copilot adds 12 new features just 48 hours after OpenAI’s Atlas launch

Microsoft has launched a major update to its Copilot AI model just 48 hours after OpenAI released its Atlas AI browser, introducing features that closely mirror the AI browsing capabilities offered by ChatGPT Atlas and Perplexity Comet. This rapid competitive response highlights how AI-powered browsers are becoming the next battleground for major tech companies, as they offer access to broader audiences, more user data, and new partnership opportunities.

What you should know: Microsoft’s Copilot update introduces 12 new features designed to make the AI assistant “more personal, more useful and more connected to the people and world around you.”

• The update includes real-time collaboration for up to 32 people (similar to Google Docs) with AI-generated content capabilities.
• A new AI assistant called Mico listens and reacts to user actions, providing pushback or assistance as needed.
• Enhanced memory and personalization features allow Copilot to connect with content from OneDrive, Outlook, Gmail, and Google Drive.

Key new capabilities: The update introduces specialized AI functions for health and education alongside improved accessibility features.

• Copilot’s health function addresses common health-related questions using sources like Harvard Health to provide high-quality information quickly.
• “Learn Live” serves as a voice-enabled tutor that guides users through concepts rather than simply providing answers.
• Additional smaller updates focus on making the tool more accessible and available across more platforms.

Why AI browsers matter: The surge in AI browser development represents a strategic shift as companies compete to become the next dominant search platform.

• For AI-first companies like Perplexity and ChatGPT, browsers provide access to wider audiences, more user preference data, and new partnership markets.
• Established browser operators like Microsoft and Opera can leverage their existing infrastructure advantage over competitors who must rely on Chrome.
• The trend follows the recent wave of AI chatbot development, positioning browsers as the next logical evolution in AI integration.

The big picture: Every major tech company is positioning itself for what appears to be an extended battle for AI browsing dominance, with industry observers expecting to hear “AI browsing” frequently over the next couple of years as companies fight to challenge Google’s search monopoly.