Last week, Microsoft announced that Copilot Vision would be available to all users of the Microsoft Edge browser. Since its initial announcement in December 2024, the business has only made the computer vision-enabled artificial intelligence (AI) function available to Copilot Pro users. The Redmond-based tech behemoth is now making the AI capability available to all Edge browser users. The AI chatbot can help the user with various activities by using Copilot Vision to see the content of web pages.
Everyone Now Has Free Access to Copilot Vision
Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman said in a post on X (previously Twitter) that Copilot Vision will now be available to all customers, regardless of whether they have a paid Copilot subscription. “It’ll think out loud with you when you’re browsing online. No more copying, over-explaining, or having trouble putting ideas into words,” Suleyman declared.
Copilot Vision is a real-time computer vision feature similar to the screen-sharing tool in Gemini Live. The Edge browser’s web pages and content are visible to the AI chatbot, which may process them in real-time along with user prompts. Users can use the voice mode option instead of typing what they wish to say.
Microsoft made Copilot Vision an optional feature because certain users may be worried about their data security and privacy. Users can click on this link in the Edge browser and follow the steps to opt in. Vision mode can be accessed by tapping the microphone icon in the Copilot sidebar. A floating bar with a text box and a microphone button will appear in Copilot Vision.
According to Suleyman, Copilot Vision can benefit users in many ways. It can read several reviews and provide the user with a summary. For instance, it can identify whether a couch on a shopping website is “roll arm” or “midcentury modern.” It can also describe visually confusing objects. Using natural language descriptions to discover the appropriate products can also assist users with their buying.
Microsoft stated at launch that customers would have complete control over when to switch it on and off, even after opting in. When deactivated, Copilot Vision is unable to see the user’s screen. Furthermore, the business asserts that at the conclusion of each session, all conversation data—including user prompts, images, and web page content—will be erased. Copilot’s answers are recorded to enhance the business’s security measures.
