Circle to Copilot: The new Microsoft Edge feature that challenges Google

Google recently introduced a “Circle to Search” feature on their new Samsung Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 phones. It uses AI to provide information about objects or text circled in photos. Microsoft looks to be developing something similar for its Edge browser called “Circle to Copilot.”

How does ‘Circle to Copilot’ work?

The team at Windows Report discovered some early clues indicating Microsoft Edge developers are working on adding a “draw-to-search” type feature tentatively called “Circle to Copilot.” It is available now in the experimental Canary version of Edge, but it is still not functioning smoothly.

• What is Microsoft Copilot

By tweaking small settings, Canary users can activate an early version of Circle to Copilot. You can draw a circle around anything on a web page, which summons a Copilot side panel. However, the AI assistant now copies the encircled content into a chat box rather than providing extra context or information.

Considering this is such early functionality, it seems likely that Microsoft has bigger plans to enhance what Circle to Copilot can do. We’ll have to wait and see what additional capabilities get added as the Edge team progresses on this creative new tool.

When will ‘Circle to Copilot’ arrive?

Microsoft has not provided any timeline for when Circle to Copilot might formally launch or shared specifics yet on its full functionality. But there is no doubt that if executed well, it could be an innovative and useful addition to Edge.

For comparison, Google’s “Circle to Search” tool lets users circle, highlight, scribble on, or tap sections of text or images on their Android phone screens. It then surfaces relevant information about whatever was selected using the circle gesture.

So, circle-based interactions have significant potential to tap into AI and provide contextual info. I’m looking forward to seeing Microsoft’s own spin on this kind of feature and how it enhances web browsing and research in Edge. Time will tell how it stacks up to Google’s iteration as both continue development behind the scenes.