Microsoft Unveils Its Replacement For IE: Microsoft Edge
Since most Windows owners quit using the packed in browser years ago, Microsoft feels a massive reinvention is in order. This fall along with Windows 10, they’ll finally be rolling it out. And they unveiled all the details behind their new browser today, which they are calling “Microsoft Edge.”
It’s called Edge for the same corporate pride double-speak reasons that branded the new XBox “One.” According to CNet, who was there at the unveiling, “Microsoft went with the name Edge because the company sees it as being on the cutting edge of what consumers want.”
What consumers really want is a browser that won’t get in the way of the Internet they’re trying to access. Google Chrome found that out the hard way when users migrated from Firefox a few years ago, and then migrated back recently when Chrome’s service got slower and slower. The big question is, will Edge provide a smooth Net-viewing experience akin to a lightweight pair of glasses, or will it constantly block your view with self-serving messages begging you to use other Microsoft products like Bing?
MS does promise a few superfluous additions that, indeed, other browsers don’t have but people may not feel they need. Cortana can surf the Net for you if you give her verbal commands: “Cortana, porn NOW!” You’ll also be able to draw on websites, and the doodles will stick if you wish them to. Okay.
If you’re currently running the the Windows 10 Technical Preview, you’ll be able to try out Edge right away, but Microsoft cautions you that it’s still a work in progress and may have some bugs. CNet took Edge for a spin back when it was called Project Spartan and found it rather unresponsive.
There’s still time to fix any issues before Windows 10 becomes an official finished product, so if Microsoft is serious about competing in the browser wars, let’s hope they focus in the right areas.