Microsoft’s Copilot sidebar for the Edge browser was a context-aware AI companion that offered targeted assistance based on the content in the main browser window. However, last month, the Copilot sidebar was revamped, leaving many users feeling disappointed as they missed the functionality of the previous version. Users complained about the loss of favorite features, changes in the user interface, and a decline in the quality of the chatbot’s responses.
The company’s desire to move quickly and experiment with AI sometimes leads to setbacks when bringing new consumer products or features to market. Microsoft acknowledged the feedback from users and announced updates to address their concerns. The revamped Copilot sidebar still lacks the connectedness and relevance to the user’s context that the old version had, making users feel ignored or distracted.
The previous version of the Copilot sidebar offered specific and focused value by providing prompts related to the content being viewed. In contrast, the new version feels like it’s guessing at what the user may want and seems more random and unhelpful. Microsoft needs to distinguish between a general consumer chatbot and the specialized value of an AI tool like the browser sidebar, which was intended to serve as a companion to the browsing experience.
The changes made to the Copilot sidebar can be attributed to a change in leadership within Microsoft. The company has been working on restoring some of the lost features and enhancing the overall quality of chat responses. Microsoft is committed to making Copilot consistent across all endpoints and is iterating quickly based on customer feedback. Users can expect more updates in the future to address usability issues and improve the overall experience.
There have been recent updates to the Copilot sidebar, including restoring access to chat history, enhancing the connectivity of the tool, and improving its ability to analyze larger documents and websites. Some bugs have been resolved, but there is still work to do in terms of usability. Users have noted missing features such as the ability to draft AI-generated content quickly and access saved images for design purposes.
Overall, the evolution of the Copilot sidebar reflects the broader implications of AI in our everyday lives. While AI providers should continue to experiment, they must also recognize the importance of user habits and loyalty. It is crucial to build on user momentum and provide a seamless experience that enhances productivity and relevance. Microsoft’s efforts to listen to user feedback and make updates to the Copilot sidebar demonstrate a commitment to improving the AI companion for Edge browser users.
