Microsoft Edge could take inspiration from Google’s Circle to Search feature

Google’s fresh Circle to Search feature is now officially on the Pixel 8 series. Without missing a beat, Microsoft seems ready to roll out its own version for the Edge browser.

As per Windows Report, the newest Canary build of the Edge browser for desktop includes a feature called Circle to Copilot. Much like Google’s Circle to Search, this feature lets you circle any text or image to get more information about it.

• Ensure you have the latest version of Edge Canary.
• Right-click the Edge shortcut and choose Properties.
• In the Target field, add the following command after a space: –enable-features=msEdgeCircleToSearchDefaultEnabled,msEdgeCircleToSearchSupported,
• Click Apply and then OK.
• Open Edge and navigate to Settings, then select Appearance.
• Turn on the Mouse Gesture setting.
• Click on “Configure Mouse Gesture.”
• Switch on “Enable Circle to Copilot.”

While the idea is somewhat like Circle to Search, there are a couple of distinctions that make it stand out. Google’s version is tailored for mobile devices, whereas Circle to Copilot is specifically designed for desktop use. Another difference is that Circle to Copilot seems to prompt you to ask a question before displaying results, unlike Circle to Search, which instantly provides results with the option to ask questions. For a closer look at Circle to Search, check out our hands-on.

Even though the idea is kind of like Circle to Search, there are a couple of things that make it different. Google’s version is made for mobile gadgets, while Circle to Copilot is built for desktop use. Another thing is that with Circle to Copilot, it seems like you have to ask something before it shows results, whereas Circle to Search just spits out results right away, giving you the choice to ask questions. If you want to dive deeper into Circle to Search, check out our hands-on.

We don’t have any details on when this feature might hit the regular Edge version. It’s also not clear if Microsoft intends to make the feature available to everyone.