Microsoft launched a redesigned Bing Places for Business at bing.com/forbusiness, unifying listing management on one site. It features faster Google import, bulk editing, and a Recommendation Tool to help owners add photos and key details. The platform simplifies claiming and managing listings to boost local search visibility and will add more features like Bing Maps integration and agency support.
Microsoft 365 Copilot now includes Anthropic models Claude Sonnet 4 and Claude Opus 4.1 alongside OpenAI models, offering users more flexibility. These models power the Researcher agent for complex research and are available in Copilot Studio for building custom agents. Users can switch between models easily. Anthropic models are hosted externally and require admin enablement. This expansion aims to enhance AI-driven workflows and business processes.
Microsoft Edge introduces Copilot Mode, an AI-powered browsing feature that anticipates user needs, integrates chat, search, and navigation in one input, and manages multiple tabs for better context. It supports voice commands and will soon perform advanced tasks like booking reservations. Copilot prioritizes privacy, requiring user permission to access data, and is available free for a limited time on Windows and Mac. Users can opt in or out anytime.
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Microsoft launched the Copilot Merchant Program to enhance product details for Copilot. This program aims to improve customers’ shopping experiences by providing a personal shopper feature that offers price alerts, product suggestions, and seamless check-out in the app. By joining, brands can increase visibility, attract customers, and boost sales with AI support. Participants can share product specifications to ensure accurate suggestions to customers.
Copilot in Bing Webmaster Tools enhances SEO by offering webmasters instant, accurate answers. Key features include real-time Q&A, deep data insights, integration with Microsoft Advertising and Clarity, automation of tasks, and contextual support. Currently in limited preview for select testers, feedback will inform future development. The tool aims to streamline workflows, enabling webmasters to concentrate on website enhancement and user engagement.
Google is launching an astroturf group to discredit Microsoft with competition authorities and policymakers, using European cloud providers as the public face while hiding its involvement. This follows Google's failed attempt to weaponize CISPE against Microsoft. Google is also using paid commentators and lobbying to attack Microsoft amid its own antitrust investigations. Google aims to distract from its regulatory scrutiny and promote its cloud services.
Bing Webmaster Tools now offers 16 months of historical data in the Search Performance feature, extending from the previous 6 months. This allows users to analyze long-term trends, seasonal patterns, and campaign effectiveness, aiding in more informed decision-making and strategy development. The extended data view helps webmasters and marketers create data-driven SEO strategies, allocate resources effectively, and gain a competitive edge.
Microsoft Copilot Vision is a new AI feature that understands and interacts with web pages in real-time, answering questions and suggesting next steps without disrupting workflow. Initially available to a limited number of Copilot Pro users, it aims to balance innovation with responsibility. Copilot Labs will trial this feature, ensuring user data is not stored and focusing on safety. The first feature, Think Deeper, helps solve complex problems.
Microsoft's Bing search engine has expanded its generative search capabilities, using AI to optimize search results and their presentation. It now handles complex queries and offers an interactive demo for US users. The update is in beta, focusing on informational queries, with results clearly indicated. Users can provide feedback, and Bing includes citations to maintain web health. This marks a significant leap in online search technology.