Latest news with #WindowsReport
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
Searching for Chrome on Bing? Microsoft has a new clingy tactic to beg you to stay
Microsoft is at it again with another ploy to stop Bing users from switching over to Google Chrome, this time with a full banner right on the search page. As Microsoft Edge is Windows' default browser, many users often use it to download Chrome through the Bing search engine. Many will know that the browser often delivers a message stating why it's worth using Bing instead, but Windows Report has noticed a new comparison banner pops up. When typing in "Chrome" using Bing on Edge, there's now a banner that takes up a big part of the page before web search results are shown. The report found a comparison between the two browsers, stating " Microsoft Edge offers the speed of Chrome with the security of Microsoft." Notably, it also details what Edge offers and what Chrome doesn't, including Microsoft Rewards, a built-in VPN (although this isn't available in all regions), AI personalization and Microsoft's "recommended" for optimized browsing. This is a "Promoted by Microsoft" ad, and a large one at that. It's yet another way Microsoft is urging users to stay on Edge, although I'm not sure if this will stop users in their tracks. When trying this myself, I received another banner that showed the Microsoft Reward points to gain by trying Edge, with tiles showcasing Amazon, Starbucks, Xbox Game Pass and Roblox gift cards. Either way, instead of just a small pop-up notification, there's now a full-on banner before reaching the list of search results for Google Chrome. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. With Chrome continuing to be the most popular browser around, it comes as no surprise that Microsoft wants you to stick with Edge. According to statistics from analytics firm Backlinko, there are an estimated 3.69 billion users worldwide, compared to Microsoft Edge's estimated 292 million users. Thankfully, those in the EU won't have to put up with Microsoft begging you to make Edge your default browser, thanks to the Digital Markets Act. However, the rest of the world will still get pop-ups to give Edge a go. Interestingly, research has shown that Chrome is the hungriest browser around, with Microsoft Edge using far fewer system resources. However, Bing itself, which Edge uses, is only a few steps behind Chrome in the amount of data it collects. With Microsoft Edge now being promoted as an AI browser, it still has a lot of competition in the market, with Perplexity AI launching its first AI browser, and Opera offering its own agentic AI browser. We're sure to see more tactics Microsoft uses to turn Edge into the browser for all (instead of Chrome), but if you want to uninstall Microsoft Edge instead, that's always an option.
Indian Express
18-06-2025
- Indian Express
Perplexity AI now available as a search option in Firefox: Here's how to use it
Google still accounts for the majority of search queries on the internet, but lately, the tech giant has been losing its market share to competitors and AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity, which reportedly account for around for about one per cent of search queries. And while most browsers are yet to get support for these AI search engines, Mozilla seems to be jumping on the bandwagon by adding Perplexity AI to its popular internet browser, Firefox. As part of the Firefox 139 update, Mozilla has added an option that lets users switch to Perplexity AI to make searches directly from the address bar via the unified search button. While the non-profit organisation did not make a formal announcement, but has confirmed the news in a thread on its 'Connect' community forum. Compared to traditional search engines like Google, which present a list of URLs you can click on, AI-powered search engines like Perplexity can summarise multiple search results in a visually appealing format. Also, these search engines are pretty accurate when it comes to identifying typos and grammatical mistakes. Mozilla says Perplexity search offers direct and conversational answers, similar to Google's AI Overviews feature. While the test is currently limited to the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany, users can also add Perplexity AI, users can easily add the AI-powered search assistant using a simple workaround. If you are interested in using Perplexity as a search engine, open Firefox and head over to ' Now, type in your search query in the address bar, but instead of hitting enter, select 'Search with Perplexity' from the dropdown suggestions. When you make a few searches using this method, Firefox will automatically ask if you want to add Perplexity as a search engine. One added, you will also be able to use the @perplexity keyword shortcut to search more quickly. According to Windows Report, Mozilla says that if the experiment is positively received by users, they may add more AI-based answers or search options to Firefox. If you are interested in trying out AI-powered search engines like Perplexity and ChatGPT in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, here's how to do it.
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Chrome may soon get AI Mode for direct answers in your browser's search bar
Google is testing a new way to bring artificial intelligence directly into its Chrome browser. Following recent moves to highlight AI features in its Google app, the company has started experimenting with an 'AI Mode' in Chrome's latest Canary build. This addition aims to give users quicker access to AI-generated answers right from the browser's search bar. The AI Mode icon appears near the existing voice and image search buttons (spotted by the Windows Report) on the Chrome New Tab page. When users click the icon, a text box opens where they can type questions or prompts. The system then provides an AI-generated response, which will let users interact and follow up easily within the browser itself. Also read: Snap to launch smart glasses for users in 2026 in challenge to Meta However, not all users will have immediate access. According to reports from a leaker, Leopeva64, Google requires users to meet specific criteria to enable AI Mode. Those who do not qualify will see a page explaining the feature with a link to more information. This test adds another option to access Google's AI-powered search, which is already available through the Google app and via a dedicated web address at The integration into Chrome could make AI tools more accessible during everyday browsing. Also read: Nintendo sells record 3.5 million Switch 2 consoles in four days In other news, Google is undergoing workforce changes amid ongoing business shifts. The company has offered voluntary buyouts to many employees across key divisions, including search, advertising, research, and engineering. These moves come as Google prepares for a court ruling that could impact its current structure. The exact number of employees affected has not been disclosed. Also read: OpenAI taps Google in unprecedented cloud deal despite AI rivalry A company spokesperson, Courtenay Mencini, clarified that some groups had already introduced voluntary exit programs with severance packages earlier this year. More teams have recently adopted similar programs to manage resources while focusing on future initiatives. Additionally, Google is encouraging remote workers living near its offices to return to hybrid work models, aiming to increase in-person collaboration among employees.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Microsoft Emergency Windows 11 Update Fixes Boot Error After May 2025 Patch
Microsoft has released an emergency update for Windows 11 users after quite a few reported a big boot error following the May 2025 security update. The issue began with the KB5058405 update, which left some systems unable to start, displaying a 0xc0000098 error related to the file, as reported by Windows Report. This problem was seen mostly on virtual machines, including those running on Azure and Citrix, but some other users on Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2 were also affected. To address the boot problem, Microsoft has now pushed out the KB5062170 update. This new patch is called a cumulative update, meaning it includes all previous fixes and patches along with the solution for the error. However, users won't find it through Windows Update. Instead, Microsoft says it is only available for manual download from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The company says that those who installed KB5058405 without any issues do not need to install KB5062170. An important point for users to note is that the KB5062170 update only addresses the boot error. There is a probable issue for those using Noto fonts in browsers like Edge or Chrome, where fonts may not render correctly if display scaling is set to 100%. Microsoft says increasing the scaling to 125% or 150% can help until a future fix is released. Anyone whose PC is stuck in a boot loop with the 0xc0000098 message after the May update should download and install KB5062170 from the Microsoft Update Catalog. No restart is needed for those whose systems are running smoothly after the previous update.
Express Tribune
20-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Firefox experiments with Perplexity AI in version 139
Listen to article Mozilla Firefox is trialling the integration of the AI-powered Perplexity Search Engine within its browser, signalling a possible shift in search partnerships and how users interact with online information. First reported by Perplexity is currently live in Firefox version 139, with the test introducing a pop-up prompt within the address bar when users enter Search Mode. It offers the option to 'Try Perplexity' – positioning it as a 'new way to search in Firefox' with well-cited, conversational results. Unlike traditional search engines, Perplexity uses artificial intelligence to generate direct answers, complete with citations and follow-up options. This format is designed to ease information overload by avoiding endless link lists, instead offering a more dialogue-like search experience. Mozilla appears to be exploring options beyond its long-standing search deal with Google, which reportedly earns the company over $400 million annually. Although no formal agreement has been announced between Mozilla and Perplexity, the experiment reflects an openness to AI-centric alternatives. According to Windows Report, Firefox engineer Mandy Cheang is working on the implementation, referred to internally as a 'draft experiment recipe' for Firefox 139. The integration marks a notable change in strategy for Mozilla. While Firefox already supports Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Wikipedia as search options, the in-browser promotion of Perplexity suggests deeper interest in user-facing AI technology. Perplexity recently launched its own browser, Comet, to compete with Google Chrome, adding further intrigue to its potential collaboration with Mozilla. Details regarding how many users or which regions are included in the test remain unconfirmed. However, the outcome could decide whether Perplexity becomes a permanent fixture in Firefox's suite of search tools. Mozilla also plans to prompt users with updated terms of use upon startup in coming updates.
