Microsoft’s Build 2025 conference revealed a major update for its Edge browser. The company is adding a new feature to break down language barriers through built-in PDF translation. This feature should run much better than competitors thanks to taking context into account.
Microsoft says you’ll be able to translate entire PDF documents into your preferred language with just a few clicks. You normally have to find other software that translates and hope that it is correct. This new way should save time and effort compared to older methods of translating foreign-language documents. Google Translate has a similar option to translate PDFs, but it’s not integrated into Chrome like this version.
The reason you should use this instead of other tools is context. Unlike word-by-word or line-by-line translation tools, Edge’s PDF translation is built to maintain the original meaning and context of the document. This way, you will get a more accurate translation based on the document’s reasoning.
This is more common for businesses, but there are plenty of documents online that are stuck in one language. Whether working with technical guides, legal paperwork, or study materials, the need to translate PDFs often causes delays, misunderstandings, and is generally a speed bump.
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This is currently available on the Edge Canary channel, but the PDF translation feature is expected to roll out to all users soon. This is likely a way to get feedback, since translation needs to be near perfect to be reliable. Very few statements can be translated word for word and keep the same meaning, so testing the translation is definitely a good idea.
The PDF translation tool is not a standalone addition; it’s part of Microsoft’s larger plan to make Edge an AI-powered browser. At Build 2025, Microsoft kept speaking about helping developers and businesses through AI integration. While it may be some time before we see Edge rebranded to Copilot Edge, it seems like that is on the horizon.
Microsoft is also introducing new AI APIs and the Phi-4-mini model, making it easier to add AI features to web apps and extensions. These APIs, including the Prompt API, Writing Assistance APIs, and an upcoming Translator API, are available in Edge’s Canary and Dev channels.
We’ve seen Microsoft really push AI with Copilot Chat, which is used to automate tasks in Microsoft 365 Copilot. To push things further, starting in early June, Copilot Chat will allow access to Microsoft 365 Copilot agents from the Edge for Business side panel. Additionally, Copilot Chat will improve its ability to summarize content, including online Microsoft 365 Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
It doesn’t seem like Microsoft will slow down on the AI integration anytime soon. The translation feature is really welcome if it can translate better through context, but I am hoping it’s not just Google Translate with AI slapped onto it.
Source: Microsoft
