Microsoft Edge Copilot Mode, OpenAI Atlas Launch

Microsoft is enhancing its Edge browser with a new Copilot Mode, transforming it into an AI assistant that can remember past sessions, complete multi-step tasks, and offer insights from browsing history. This feature, available in preview in the U.S., allows users to perform actions like unsubscribing from emails or making reservations through voice or chat commands. The Journeys feature within Copilot Mode organizes browsing history into topics for easier navigation. The launch of Copilot Mode follows closely behind OpenAI's introduction of its similar AI browser, Atlas, highlighting a growing trend in AI-integrated browsing. Meanwhile, the broader economic impact of AI is evident as corporate investment in AI and technology is bolstering the U.S. economy, helping to offset slower consumer spending and a cooling job market, though Fitch Ratings cautions that sustained growth still hinges on household finances and inflation. In the realm of AI talent, France is emerging as a significant global hub, ranking third worldwide for AI researchers, attracting companies like Cohere and Google DeepMind, though a shortage of talent persists due to high industry demand. Educational institutions, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), are responding to this demand by introducing new courses in AI, Data Science, and Machine Learning. In specialized applications, AI is being explored to potentially boost IVF success rates, making fertility treatments more efficient. CoreWeave is expanding its AI infrastructure by acquiring Monolith AI and planning to acquire Core Scientific, aiming to capture more workloads from clients like OpenAI and Microsoft. On the consumer front, identifying AI-generated fakes is becoming increasingly important, with experts suggesting a return to assessing the reputation of information sources, a principle that tools like Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT also implicitly support through their disclaimers. Separately, Samsung is reportedly developing an AI-powered modem chip for Starlink's future 6G service, which aims to enable direct satellite-to-device connections by predicting satellite trajectories and optimizing signals in real time.

Key Takeaways

• Microsoft Edge has launched Copilot Mode, an AI assistant that can remember browsing history, complete tasks, and summarize information across tabs.
• Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge offers features like Copilot Actions for tasks such as unsubscribing from emails or booking reservations, and Journeys for organizing browsing history.
• The introduction of Microsoft's Copilot Mode for Edge bears notable visual and functional similarities to OpenAI's recently unveiled AI browser, Atlas.
• Corporate investment in AI is contributing to U.S. economic resilience, helping to offset slower consumer spending, though sustained growth depends on household finances and inflation.
• France is a leading global center for AI research and talent, attracting companies like Cohere and Google DeepMind, despite an ongoing shortage of AI professionals.
• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are introducing new courses in AI, Data Science, and Machine Learning to meet industry demand.
• AI is being explored as a technology to potentially improve the efficiency and success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
• CoreWeave is expanding its AI infrastructure capabilities by acquiring Monolith AI and planning to acquire Core Scientific, aiming to secure more workloads from clients like OpenAI and Microsoft.
• Assessing the reputation of information sources is suggested as a key method for identifying AI-generated fake content, a principle supported by disclaimers in tools like Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT.
• Samsung is reportedly developing an AI-powered modem chip for Starlink's 6G service to enable direct satellite-to-device connections.

Microsoft Edge gets AI Copilot Mode for smarter browsing

Microsoft Edge has launched Copilot Mode, turning the browser into an AI assistant. This mode helps users by remembering past sessions, completing multi-step tasks like planning tours, and offering insights from browsing history if enabled. Users can control the AI features with a simple toggle. Copilot Actions allow users to perform tasks via voice or chat, such as unsubscribing from emails or making restaurant reservations. Journeys, another new feature, automatically groups browsing history into topics to help users pick up where they left off. Copilot Mode is available in preview in the U.S. and adheres to Microsoft's security and privacy standards.

Microsoft launches AI browser Copilot Mode, similar to OpenAI's Atlas

Microsoft has released new AI features for its Edge browser, called Copilot Mode, which acts as an intelligent companion. This AI can assist with tasks like summarizing information across tabs and even booking hotels, with user permission. The launch comes just two days after OpenAI unveiled its similar AI browser, Atlas. While neither company invented the AI browser concept, the visual and functional similarities between Copilot Mode and Atlas are notable. The underlying AI models will likely be the main differentiator for users.

Microsoft Edge adds AI Copilot Mode with new task features

Microsoft Edge now offers Copilot Mode, integrating its AI assistant more deeply into the browser. This mode combines AI responses, search results, and navigation, and can analyze all open tabs to summarize or compare information. New features in a limited preview include Copilot Actions, which can unsubscribe users from emails or book reservations, though testing showed some inaccuracies. Copilot Mode can also use browsing history for better responses if permission is granted, and the new Journeys feature organizes browsing history into topics. Copilot Mode is available by toggling a switch in Edge.

AI stocks drive market gains, not the economy

Market volatility in October is driven by speculative AI stocks, not the economy's core. Highly valued AI companies without profits are seeing sharp price drops, indicating speculative trading rather than a broader market downturn. While AI investment contributes to GDP growth, it's a small part, accounting for only 0.5% after accounting for imports. Consumer spending remains the main engine of economic growth, far exceeding the impact of AI and technology investments.

AI investment boosts US economy despite consumer slowdown

Fitch Ratings reports that strong corporate investment in artificial intelligence (AI) is helping the U.S. economy remain resilient. This surge in spending on AI and technology is offsetting slower consumer spending and a cooling job market. Businesses are increasing investment in AI, driving demand for semiconductors and cloud computing. While this AI boom supports economic growth, Fitch cautions that sustained growth still depends on household finances and inflation rates. Potential risks include the concentration of AI development and possible regulatory actions.

Professor embraces AI, sees benefits for students

A professor argues against worrying about students using AI for writing and reading. They believe it's unrealistic to expect students to read less when information is so accessible. The professor notes that while young people read fewer books for pleasure, thoughtful writing is still proliferating through newsletters and podcasts. They also suggest that AI can handle tasks like writing essays, freeing up educators to focus on more meaningful discussions. The professor advocates for adapting teaching methods to new technologies rather than resisting them.

France emerges as a top hub for AI talent and research

France is a leading global center for artificial intelligence (AI) research, ranking third worldwide for expert AI researchers. Institutions like Paris-Saclay University are training top AI talent, with many students choosing to stay in France over the U.S. due to a focus on regulation and responsibility. Companies like Cohere, Mistral AI, and Google DeepMind are actively recruiting from this pool. Despite high demand, there's a recognized shortage of AI talent as schools struggle to produce enough graduates to meet industry needs.

AI could boost IVF success rates, expert says

Dr. Stephanie Kuku, chief knowledge officer at Conceivable Life in the U.K., suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) can improve in vitro fertilization (IVV) processes. AI-powered IVF could potentially reduce the number of treatment cycles needed and increase the chances of conception for patients. This technology aims to make fertility treatments more efficient and effective.

IITs offer new AI and Data Science courses

Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are introducing new courses in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Machine Learning to meet industry demand. IIT Madras offers a four-year online BS program in Data Science and Applications. IIT Delhi has an MTech program in Machine Intelligence and Data Science, and a Future Tech Leaders course blending AI with IoT and other technologies. IIT Roorkee provides a course in Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking with Applied AI. These programs allow students to upskill in cutting-edge fields through full-time, diploma, or certificate options.

CoreWeave expands AI infrastructure with new strategies

CoreWeave is growing as a full-stack AI infrastructure company by focusing on existing customers, expanding into new industries, and vertically integrating its operations. The company aims to capture more workloads from clients like OpenAI and Microsoft, and is acquiring Monolith AI to enter new verticals. By acquiring Core Scientific, CoreWeave gains control over data centers and power, reducing reliance on third parties and improving long-term economics. This vertical integration strengthens CoreWeave's position in the AI infrastructure race.

Reputation is key to spotting AI-generated fakes

An ancient principle of tracing information back to its source and assessing the reputation of the originator can help identify AI-generated fakes. While AI can create realistic content, focusing on the source's credibility, similar to how religious traditions verify teachings, is crucial. Many internet users overlook reputation, making them vulnerable to misinformation. Tools like Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT include disclaimers to verify information. Learning to gauge reputation, even with basic online searches, can significantly improve our ability to discern real content from AI-generated fakes.

Samsung to build AI modem for Starlink's 6G service

Samsung is reportedly developing an AI-powered modem chip for Elon Musk's Starlink service, enabling direct satellite-to-device connections. This new modem will predict satellite trajectories and optimize signals in real time, potentially revolutionizing satellite communications and enabling Starlink's 6G service for smartphones. SpaceX recently invested significantly in spectrum for this 6G service. The Exynos modem shows major improvements in beam identification and channel prediction, aiming to overcome current limitations in real-time tuning for satellite connections.

Sources

• Meet Copilot Mode in Edge: Your AI browser
• Two days after OpenAI's Atlas, Microsoft launches a nearly identical AI browser
• Microsoft Edge’s new Copilot Mode turns on more AI features
• Is AI Really Keeping The Economy Afloat?
• AI investment hype offsetting U.S. household gloom
• Why I’m Not Freaking Out About My Students Using AI
• France and Europe: fertile AI training ground?
• AI could increase fertility chances with high-tech IVF, expert reveals
• Artificial Intelligence, Data Science: Top New-Age Courses In IITs
• CoreWeave's Next Act: Where the Growth Will Come From
• The Ancient Principle That Can Help Us Spot AI Fakes
• Elon Musk's Starlink reportedly tasks Samsung to build AI-powered modem — space-based 6G service could revolutionize satellite-to-device connectivity