I still remember when Internet Explorer was the king of the Internet. When developers were simply developing for it, with all its tweaks and quirks, regardless of how painful it was. It was normal. The idea of entertaining more than one browser for your website development seemed like an unnecessary headache some more. But, we did it. For many years after new browsers appeared and gained market share, we dealt with various tweaks and annoying bugs (I really don’t want to mention IE6).
Then our saviour was released. Chrome browser has stormed through the Internet in 2008 and very quickly gained market share among modern users and web developers, so much until Internet Explorer became the ugly kid of the block, still supported, at times, but much hated by users and developers alike.
Fast forward to 15 January 2020, and in alignment with the new direction of Microsoft, the new Microsoft Edge browser was launched. And, it’s based on Chromium, the open source engine under Chrome browser and many other adopters (Opera, Vivaldi, Brave, just to name a few).
What does this mean for Microsoft and Internet?
- Decoupled browser. Alongside the newest Windows Applications that didn’t go the UWP approach, you can download and install the new browser on Windows 10, Android and Mac platforms. It’s no longer coupled into the Windows OS. It’s a brand new day.
- Open Source Support. The new Edge browser is based on Chromium browser engine, which is also behind Chrome browser and it’s open source. Hence, if you install and use Edge, you will get the speed and some of the best features of Chrome as well. Microsoft has also committed to contribute to the open source project, so maybe, in the future, Chrome will benefit from Edge browser features development.
- Extensions. The new Edge browser, just like Chrome, comes with Extensions, allowing developers to develop additional features, and allowing you an enhanced experience on your browser, as well as integrations from various services, directly on your browser.
- PWA. The new Edge browser, just like Chrome (starting version 73) supports Progressive Web Apps. Now, you can easily use any of the websites you visit as a PWA, directly from your desktop. It’s cool to be able to do this on desktop also.
- Attention to your Privacy. If Chrome is scary, because it tracks and invades your privacy with every page you visit (or so they say) – Edge comes with Tracking Prevention. This feature, that can be as strict as you tell it to be, can give you peace of mind – in terms of privacy – and everyone now wants their privacy.
- Speed. Comparing the speed of the new Edge with the previous versions from Microsoft, just wow. Being based on Chromium comes with all the speed benefits.
- Immerse Reader. By default, immerse reader is available. If you just want to be able to read, without all the ads and additional page weight, go for it.
- Picture in Picture. Another great feature ported from Chromium. You can now continue your work, while your video plays on top, for your convenience.
- Collections. A take of your habit of way too many open tabs (you know who you are).
- Interface. A new, clean and sleek interface. With abilities of customization for the purpose of inspiring, informative or focused, it’s clean, but looks more like original Chrome, rather than the original Edge. Here is hoping for updates to personalize the appearance to make it “more Microsoft”.
I don’t know if the new Microsoft Edge browser will succeed in regaining its place among the browsers of choice of customers and developers, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. If you remember the older versions of Internet Explorer, give it a try. You might be impressed.