It is the time of year when society collectively sets goals for the year to come, and Microsoft is no different after recently publishing a laundry list of resolutions for its Edge web browser. The plan, according to Microsoft, is to help Edge users capitalize on their time online while doing so in a secure manner. As a result, users can expect some improvements in productivity, customization, and security, among other areas of the Edge experience.
Microsoft Edge is a relatively new web browser, considering its origin only dates back to 2015 when it was released for Windows 10 and Xbox One. Support for Android and iOS followed in 2017, with macOS getting in on the action in 2019. As a competitor to popular browsers like Google Chrome and Internet Explorer, Edge offers a Chromium-based design with features like vertical tabs, password monitoring, and 4K Netflix video streaming.
As detailed in a blog post, the company is once again introducing improvements to the browser. Among the new perks are a sidebar search feature that allows users to quickly highlight words and find answers without navigating to a new page. Another way Microsoft is looking to improve productivity is by making it easier for Outlook users to see their most recent emails right on a new tab page. In addition, there is also 24 new browser themes available to let users better customize their browsers, along with Microsoft Edge icons receiving their own "rounder and softer" design update. There's also now a password generator that prompts Microsoft Edge to suggest a secure password when a new one is created. This is before saving it to the user's browser autofill settings, so they don't have to try and remember it the next time they log in. With these new additions to the browser, Edge is making a strong effort to compete with Google Chrome.
For some time now, the competition for best internet browser has been a three-lane race. Opinions will vary, of course, but Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge are typically the main contenders, due to their feature sets and overall usability. Now that Microsoft has instituted new resolutions aimed at not just streamlined functionality, but increased protection of user passwords and information, Edge might just be ready to ascend to the podium.
As with many competing products and technologies, the best browser is largely dependent on individual users. For those that want as much integration as possible with their Google accounts and information, Google Chrome is the obvious choice. Firefox has long been a favorite for those concerned with staying private when spending time online, and Microsoft's renewed efforts to improve functionality and usability make it a great choice for working professionals.
Overall, Google Chrome may still have the slight edge in the battle of the browsers. It's been more widely adopted than Firefox, and it's a more experienced browser than Edge, given that it has been around for seven years longer. However, Microsoft isn't backing down and Edge is consistently being upgraded with new features and capabilities, in a bid to make up for lost time.
Source: Microsoft
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January 23, 2021 at 05:51AM
