Microsoft Unveils New 'Edge' Browser to Replace Internet Explorer

Earlier this year, Microsoft debuted a new browser designed to succeed Internet Explorer. At the time, it was still under development with the code name Project Spartan, but at today's BUILD conference for developers, Microsoft shared additional details on the new browser and unveiled its name: Microsoft Edge.

According to Microsoft, the Edge name refers to being on the edge of consuming and creating. Microsoft is calling Edge "a browser built for doing," with a simple, no-frills design and access to tools for enhancing the browsing experience.


Edge has built-in note taking capabilities, letting users annotate, draw, and take notes right within the browser, and then share those website notes with friends. Microsoft says that Edge uses "blazing fast core technology," with more details available on the speed enhancements in the future.

Edge includes a distraction-free reading mode and a tab page for getting to frequently-used apps quickly. There's support for Microsoft's virtual assistant Cortana, a competitor to Apple's assistant, Siri. Cortana integration helps to build a user's home tab page, populating it with relevant content and making suggestions on related sites to visit.

One of Microsoft's earlier BUILD announcements covered tools to bring Android and iOS apps to Windows 10, and similarly, the company has built support for Chrome and Firefox extensions into the Edge browser. These existing extensions will be able to be quickly repackaged and submitted to Microsoft's extension portal, giving Edge users a wealth of extensions to use shortly after the browser launches.

One of the Chrome-based extensions that Microsoft demonstrated on stage was the Reddit Enhancement Suite, a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari that improves the browsing experience on reddit. The RES extension took "virtually no work" to take it from the Chrome Extension store to Edge.

resedge

Edge browser running Reddit Enhancement Suite from modified Chrome extension

Microsoft Edge is a next-generation browser designed to replace Internet Explorer, but Internet Explorer will stick around as its used by many of Microsoft's Enterprise customers. The Microsoft Edge browser will be built into Microsoft's upcoming Windows 10 update.

Top Rated Comments

DudeAbides59 Avatar
106 months ago
Microsoft seems to be the real innovator these days. The minimalist Metro design and touch friendly apps are very appealing.
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RogerWilco Avatar
106 months ago
Cook and Ive's missteps in OS X and iOS are handing MSFT a big opportunity. The iPad has not gained much traction in enterprise or education and Apple seems to have lost its way for anything but consumer electronics. Laugh all you want, but the guys in Redmond are doggin' it, and they may just surprise some folks with a slew of new hardware and software products.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sampaul Avatar
106 months ago
It actually looks pretty good.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
eTronic Avatar
106 months ago
I'm actually impressed with the direction Microsoft has been going in lately. Edge looks really nice. I'll reserve judgement until I've had a chance to use it/develop websites on it. Windows 10 is seeming like a great overhaul in general. :)
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Popeye206 Avatar
106 months ago
Nice. Good to see MS actually doing some cool things and not just copying or coming up with "new ways" that no one really understands.

Good for them.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Ceviche Lover Avatar
106 months ago
Looks awesome
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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