Microsoft unveiled several new features for its chrome-based Edge web browser at its Build 2019 developer event in Seattle, Washington. Last year, Microsoft announced the redesign of its web browser, installed by default in Windows 10, in Edge, to run on the open source Chromium engine. It's the same code used by Edge's biggest rival, the Google Chrome web browser. Many people have welcomed this news because it meant that Microsoft could allow Edge to use many Chrome features. Also, since Chromium is an open source project, this means that all the features created by Microsoft for its new Edge version can also be added for free in other Chromium-based web browsers. Now, Microsoft has announced what some of these new features will be. In a press release announcing the new features, Microsoft states, "We're excited to be working with the larger Chromium open source community to create better web compatibility for our customers and less web fragmentation for all web developers." This means that while the features will debut in Microsoft Edge, we may see them in other browsers, such as Google Chrome, in the future.
Internet Explorer mode
Microsoft said these new features for Edge "address basic frustrations with today's browsers." One of these features is the new Internet Explorer mode, which basically integrates the old Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser into Edge via a new tab. Why would you want Internet Explorer in Edge? Many years ago, Internet Explorer was the most widely used web browser in the world. It wasn't because people loved using it, far from it, but because it came with Windows. Due to its popularity, many websites and web applications have been designed specifically for Internet Explorer. However, the popularity of the browser has waned and Microsoft has stopped supporting it and has focused on Edge. This means that some websites and web applications do not work correctly in modern browsers. With Internet Explorer mode, users can see and use these websites and applications correctly. Internet users are increasingly concerned about how their Internet activity is monitored and shared by third parties when they browse the Internet. Microsoft web browsers do not have the best reputation for protecting user privacy. However, this seems to be changing as Microsoft adds new privacy controls that allow users to adjust their privacy. Edge users can choose from three privacy levels: Unrestricted, Balanced, and Strict. This will customize how third parties can track users across the web. Microsoft promises that "customers will have more choice and more transparency for a more personalized experience."
Collections
Microsoft is also adding a "Collections" feature, designed to help users "collect, organize, share, and export content" from the Internet. This new feature could be particularly useful for students and professionals who use the Internet for research purposes. You will benefit from Microsoft Office integration.
A more interactive website with Fluid Framework
Since Build 2019 is a developer conference, it's not surprising that Microsoft also had some reveals designed for web developers. For example, it revealed the Fluid Framework, which the company says is "a development technology for creating a new class of shared interactive experiences on the Web." Apparently, the Fluid Framework will allow many people to create and edit web pages and documents "at a speed and scale never achieved in the industry." It will also allow developers to create and deconstruct documents into "collaboration building blocks," "use them in applications, and combine them into a new, more flexible document type." The Fluid Framework will also feature "intelligent agents that work alongside humans to translate text, retrieve content, suggest changes, perform compliance checks, and more," and these features will be integrated into Microsoft 365 apps and services, such as Word, Teams and Outlook. While this all sounds a bit technical, the goal is to allow developers to work together to create exciting new websites and applications for the Internet. End users will likely see new web experiences centered around conversational AI and collaboration with other users. If you want to try the new chrome-based version of Edge, you can download an older version from the Microsoft Edge Insider website.