Microsoft’s new Edge browser, based on the Chromium engine is out now for Windows and macOS. The stable version is available to download, about a year after the company revealed plans to switch to Google’s Chromium engine.
Microsoft plans to automatically update Windows 10 users with this new version of Edge in the coming months, replacing the existing built-in browser.
The Verge reports that Microsoft is releasing this stable version of Edge to OEMs today. Expect to see machines in the retail market with the new browser pre-installed.
Eventually, Microsoft will be bundling the new Edge into a future Windows 10 update and will be part of Windows 10X designed for foldable and dual-screen devices.
Overall, Microsoft Edge is very similar to Chrome—it automatically syncs your favourites, settings, and passwords. It even supports Chrome extensions although missing at launch are history sync and extension sync.
What Microsoft is bringing to the new Edge is Collections, a feature that’s integrated with Office 365. It lets you collate, organise, share, and export images and content from the web to Word or Excel.
Edge introduces more control over your data and privacy with new features like Tracking Prevention and InPrivate mode. Additionally, Microsoft Defender SmartScreen protects you online from security issues, phishing attempts, and malicious software.
There’s added support for streaming Netflix in 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Audio, and Dolby Vision.
With the new Edge, there’s also Internet Explorer mode which lets businesses load legacy IE sites within Edge automatically.
Chromium offers instant web compatibility and is made even for Windows 7, despite Microsoft officially dropping support for its obsoleted operating system.
I’m giving the new Microsoft Edge a shot. If you’re interested, head over to the Microsoft Edge site.
