Revamped Digital Assistant Now Comes with Embedded Web Browsing
A new update is hitting the digital assistant on a popular operating system, making it possible to browse the web right inside the tool. In other words, when you click on a link, it opens in a side panel instead of your usual browser.
Keeping Your Online Conversation Context Intact
The new feature aims to keep the content within the assistant's window. This way, users can maintain the context of their conversation without being sidetracked by a separate browser window. Furthermore, with user consent, the assistant can view the context of the tabs opened in the conversation, better enabling it to respond to user prompts.
The tabs that are opened during the conversation will be saved so that users can revisit them later. If users opt for it, they can even synchronize passwords and form data.
Privacy Concerns and Competition
While the idea of password and form data synchronization may be convenient, some users may have concerns about data privacy, especially following previous hiccups with the operating system. In such cases, users might want to consider other operating system alternatives.
At first glance, this move to integrate web browsing into the digital assistant might seem like an attempt to divert users from their usual browsers. While this might be convenient for some, it raises questions about fair competition.
Concerns From Other Browser Developers
The update has drawn criticism from some browser developers. They argue that users have become accustomed to clicking links and having them open in their preferred browser, complete with their preferred settings, stored passwords, and security preferences. This new update could disrupt that habitual behavior, which some see as disrespectful and potentially anti-competitive.
Whether this new update violates any competition regulations is still up for discussion. However, some critics have pointed out that this move might demonstrate a certain arrogance on the part of the operating system provider.
Future Changes and Additions
This update is currently in preview, meaning it's still liable to change. The rollout will be gradual, with some browser developers yet to see the build.
Meanwhile, other changes are being made to the digital assistant. Some features, like Podcasts and a Study and Learn mode, are being added from the assistant's website, while others might be removed temporarily as the experience is tweaked. However, these features will be reinstated before the updated app is made generally available.
Implications for Users and Vendors
For users of the digital assistant, this new feature of opening web links within the conversation could be quite handy. Yet, for browser vendors already contending with the operating system provider's preferred way of doing things, this update could be seen as yet another effort to keep users within the company's sphere of influence.