With the abundance of web browsers now available, it is no surprise that Microsoft is trying to get the edge up on its competition through the use of advertisements. With more people opting to immediately download an external browser, such as Google Chrome or Firefox, upon getting a new computer, the only use that Microsoft Edge gets from some users is the initial download of the third-party browser.
This need to compete and advertise Edge is somewhat understandable, considering third-party browsers have always been an issue for Microsoft. Unless using the computer for general browsing, very few people used Internet Explorer, Microsoft's browser prior to Edge, and this has not changed even as Internet Explorer was discontinued and Edge was launched. Though understandable why Microsoft would want people using its software, the way the company is choosing to contend with these other browsers is not going over smoothly with Windows users. While advertising is an important part of any organization's attempt to successfully compete, nothing is more annoying to a user than having ads on a product they have already paid for.
A recent article from Windows Latest provides a brief overview of the new changes to Windows 10. One of the larger changes is how Windows 10 provides users with a seamless experience through the integration of a dedicated search bar and a personal assistant, Cortana, in the taskbar. The issue with this, is that these are linked to the Edge browser and the Bing search Engine. Although this is meant to create a smooth experience for users where you can find your top apps and breaking news stories among other features, when not using Microsoft Edge as your default browser, an advertisement surfaces in an attempt to sway you towards Edge. While easy to get rid of through the close icon above the ad, this is not the first time that Microsoft has put ads in its default apps, and these pushes to Microsoft Edge are a hassle for users.
With the option to dismiss, some users may be wondering what the issue is with being shown adverts? Google pushes the Chrome browser to Edge users on its website, so what is the difference? For many there may not seem to be one, but a key difference is that Microsoft is an industry leader. Essentially, unless someone is using an Apple computer, they will most likely be using Windows, and while these users have options as to which search engine they want to use, the real choice comes down either using Microsoft's Edge Browser or being bombarded with ads. In doing this, Microsoft has removed the ability for the seamless digital experience it claims to offer.
Again, it is understandable why Microsoft is trying to get users to Edge. It not only earns the company revenue through ads, but helps to create the seamless experience the company is trying to achieve between all its products. If the ads are truly a hassle for users then Microsoft Edge may be worth a try and, if nothing else, just to get rid of the ads. Although, that's only a temporary solution as it is just as likely that unless you go all-in and change your search engine as well, then you might end up replacing the Edge ads with Chrome ones. Though annoying, the question Microsoft Windows 10 users might need to ask themselves, is whether they would rather have ads on their desktop or when browsing the internet?
Source: Windows Latest
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April 30, 2020 at 05:30AM
