Microsoft is testing a rename of the Copilot Search AI answer box in Bing results to "AI Overviews" — the same label Google uses for its AI-generated answer feature. The change was spotted by SEO analyst Sachin Patel, who shared screenshots showing the new label appearing at the top of Bing search results on August 27, 2026.
What changed
Bing's AI answer box — the generated response that appears above organic results — previously carried the label "Copilot Search." In the test, that label now reads "AI Overview." The Copilot logo still appears alongside the box. Outside the test group, the label continues to show "Copilot Search."
Details and availability
The rename is a limited test. Microsoft has not announced the change through official channels, and it is not yet clear whether the new label will roll out to all Bing users or remain a small-scale experiment. The screenshots shared by Patel show the change on both desktop and mobile interfaces.
Google introduced the "AI Overviews" label for its own AI-generated answers in May 2024, replacing the earlier "SGE" (Search Generative Experience) branding. The feature now appears for a wide range of queries in Google Search.
Context
The naming convergence is notable. Both Google and Microsoft now use "AI Overviews" to describe their respective AI-generated answer features in search results. For publishers and SEOs who track AI search visibility across engines, the shared terminology may simplify reporting and discussion — though the underlying features, citation methods, and display formats differ between the two platforms.
Microsoft has been rebranding its AI products under the Copilot name since 2023. The Bing search integration was originally called "Bing Chat," then became "Copilot" and later "Copilot Search." This test suggests Microsoft may be reconsidering how it labels the AI answer component specifically, even as the broader Copilot brand remains in use.
What has not been confirmed
- Whether Microsoft plans to roll out the "AI Overview" label to all Bing users.
- Whether the change affects how the AI answer box functions, cites sources, or displays ads.
- Whether Microsoft consulted with Google on the naming or whether there are trademark considerations.
- The size and duration of the test.
