July 28 (Reuters) - Microsoft ( MSFT ) on Monday

launched a new "Copilot Mode" on its Edge browser that uses

artificial intelligence to improve the browsing experience, as

the tech giant rushes to compete with rivals launching AI-based

browsers and web search features.

Copilot Mode can help carry out tasks, organize browsing

into topic-based queries and compare results across all open

tabs without requiring users to switch between them, Microsoft ( MSFT )

said.

The update comes at a time when tech companies have rolled

out several AI-powered online search tools. Nvidia-backed

startup Perplexity AI launched its Comet browser earlier this

month, while Reuters reported on OpenAI's upcoming AI browser.

Rival Alphabet earlier this year launched "AI

Mode", an AI-only search feature on Google, and last week

reported improvements in user engagement on such features.

Microsoft ( MSFT ) said, under the new feature, users will see a page

with a single input box combining chat, search and web

navigation features. Copilot will also support voice navigation

for browsing in Edge, the company added.

The users will also soon be able to give Copilot permission

to access additional browser context, such as user history and

credentials, to take more concrete actions like making bookings

or managing errands.

Copilot will only be able to access browsing content when

users enable it, and will provide visual cues to let users know

when it is active in the background, Microsoft ( MSFT ) said.

The feature will be available for free across Copilot

markets in Windows and Mac PCs for a limited time and users can

choose to opt out of it through Edge settings.