**Microsoft Launches Copilot Vision: An AI Assistant for Browsing**
Web browsing might often seem like a lone endeavor, but Microsoft seeks to transform that experience with its latest feature, Copilot Vision. This AI-driven assistant is crafted to visually interpret the content you are viewing and provide support throughout your online journey.
On Thursday, Microsoft introduced a preview of Copilot Vision, exclusively for Copilot Pro subscribers. The feature was initially rolled out in October as a response to a prevalent issue: users needing to explain what they’re observing to Copilot. With Vision, that added step is no longer necessary.
### What Is Copilot Vision?
Copilot Vision integrates seamlessly into the Microsoft Edge browser, appearing at the bottom of the display. When activated, it “observes” the webpage you are visiting, reads alongside you, and collaborates to tackle any problems or tasks you are managing.
This feature is one of the initial offerings from Copilot Labs, Microsoft’s innovative platform for experimenting with AI advancements. Labs, designed with a gentler, user-friendly interface, acts as a hub for “works-in-progress” intended to streamline everyday activities.
In demonstrations, Copilot Vision has proven helpful to users in diverse situations. For instance, it can assist someone in selecting the ideal accommodations for a vacation, decipher images of handwritten recipes, aid in Minecraft gameplay, or even make holiday shopping more efficient by pinpointing the most relevant items on a webpage.
### Privacy Considerations for Copilot Vision
If Copilot Vision brings to mind Microsoft’s contentious Windows Recall tool, known for frequently capturing users’ screens, you can be assured there are key differences. Firstly, Vision is opt-in, which means users must proactively select to use it. Moreover, all Copilot discussions are erased immediately after a session concludes. According to Microsoft, only responses generated by Copilot are logged to improve safety measures.
Microsoft has also tackled possible concerns surrounding paywalled or confidential content. Currently, Vision is compatible with a select number of websites and is programmed not to generate responses based on restricted material. Importantly, Microsoft emphasizes that Copilot Vision does not retain or utilize publisher content to train its AI models. Additionally, the feature adheres to website regulations, such as robots.txt files, which limit content access by web crawlers.
Mashable has contacted Microsoft for more details regarding Vision’s data management practices and will update this article with any new insights.
### Availability and Pricing
Beginning today, Copilot Vision is being made available to a chosen group of Copilot Pro subscribers. A Copilot Pro subscription costs $20 per month.
With Copilot Vision, Microsoft is making a bold move towards creating a more engaging and cooperative web browsing experience, while also addressing privacy issues to foster user trust.