Microsoft Edge Tests AI-Powered 'Journeys' Feature for Premium Users

Microsoft Introduces AI-Powered 'Journeys' Feature for Edge Browser

Microsoft is currently testing a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature called "Journeys" for its Edge browser. This innovative tool is designed to create AI-generated summaries and interactive cards of users' browsing history and open pages, making it easier to resume projects or continue ongoing tasks 1

1

Source: PCWorld

Premium Feature for Copilot Pro Subscribers

The catch with this new feature is that it's expected to be available exclusively to Copilot Pro subscribers, which comes at a cost of $20 per month. This subscription also provides AI capabilities in other Microsoft applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Paint, and Notepad 1

1

How Journeys Works

When activated, Journeys uses an AI model to analyze the user's browsing activity, including the content of web pages visited. The feature aims to turn this information into "helpful summaries" that make it easy for users to revisit past work or resume previous tasks in Edge 2

2

Related Stories

Microsoft Edge Introduces AI-Powered 'Copilot Mode': A New Era of Web Browsing

Microsoft Edge lets Copilot AI read your browser tabs to deliver personalized experiences

Microsoft Launches Copilot Mode in Edge Browser, Rivaling OpenAI's Atlas in AI Browser Race

Microsoft Unveils Copilot Vision: AI-Powered Web Browsing Assistant in Edge Browser

Privacy Concerns and Local Processing

Source: TechRadar

Microsoft emphasizes that the data used by Journeys is stored locally on the user's device and is not used for training AI models or targeted advertising. To achieve this, Edge utilizes small language models such as Phi-4 and Phi-mini, which allow calculations to take place directly on the user's computer 1

1

However, some privacy concerns remain, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding Microsoft's data handling practices. The company's assurance that "your data is securely stored on your device and is never used for AI training and advertising" aims to address these concerns, but some users may still be wary 2

2

Current Status and Future Availability

As of now, the Journeys feature is not available in the stable version of Edge. It can only be enabled via Edge Canary, an early test version of the browser, and even then, the feature is not yet fully functional. Microsoft has not announced when Journeys will be made widely available to users 1

1

2

This development aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy to integrate AI capabilities across its product lineup, particularly in Edge and Windows 11. While the feature shows promise in enhancing user productivity, its potential limitation to premium subscribers and lingering privacy concerns may impact its adoption and reception among Edge users.