Tuesday, April 9th 2019

Microsoft Launches Chromium-based Edge Browser

Microsoft has released the first public version of their Chromium-based rendition of Edge. Remember that Microsoft announced back in December of last year that they would be ceasing development efforts on their own browser back-end, and would instead be adopting the Chromium open-source coding - which powers the ubiquitous, 65% market share-earning Google Chrome. The plan is to streamline development efforts, reduce web development fragmentation, and contribute to a more open internet by building and contributing towards the Chromium project.

Now, users can take a look at the Chromium-powered version of Edge (yes, it did keep the Edge branding). The Chromium-based Edge release is nowhere near completion - MIcrosoft is instead using flighting programs, like it is doing with most of its products now, to aid in the development of features and bug correction - having a global Q&A is much better than having a dedicated team in-house, after all. This is being done via Canary and Developer builds of the Edge browser, where Canary are available daily, and follow the development flow of the browser at is being developed, or via weekly Developer builds, which should bring more impactful performance and feature upgrades - along with some added stability.
Source: Windows Blogs
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26 Comments on Microsoft Launches Chromium-based Edge Browser

#1
Daven
I for one hope that MS now adds a single additional step to Windows OS install process giving users a listed choice of edge browser or pick from their App Store.
Posted on Reply
#2
Camm
Mark LittleI for one hope that MS now adds a single additional step to Windows OS install process giving users a listed choice of edge browser or pick from their App Store.
Why would they though? Windows is their product, and its not like Windows doesn't have competition these days.
Posted on Reply
#4
aktpu
XiGMAKiD,

This is unstable release preview, Win 7 version is coming down the line
Posted on Reply
#5
Slizzo
You know, the really nice thing about Edge was that it WASN'T CHROME. If there's ever issues with Chrome, or Firefox, you can at least fall back on Edge to confirm it's not your machine and it's the browser.

Now, you really can't do that.
Posted on Reply
#6
R0H1T
You still have IE for that I guess?
Posted on Reply
#7
cryohellinc
Using it for the second day now, so far so good. In fact, it's really nice and consumes less RAM compared to Chrome. A better comparison to Edge should be Brave. Both are well optimized.
Posted on Reply
#8
Xaled
Another reason to prefer Firefox after the marriage of the devils
Posted on Reply
#9
windwhirl
I'll be laughing if Microsoft takes Chrome's market away because of people thinking "oh, would you look at that, Chrome's already installed"

I'm no developer, but I'd like to see Edge current engines being open-sourced. Surely someone would make something out of them...
Posted on Reply
#10
EatingDirt
What's the point, really? There are already many Chromium based browsers to choose from if you don't want to use Chrome. Vivaldi, Opera, etc.

I guess it's fine to have another choice, I just find it a bit strange.
Posted on Reply
#11
nickbaldwin86
XiGMAKiDNo love for Windows 7?
no and why!? 2019 move on!
aktpuXiGMAKiD,

This is unstable release preview, Win 7 version is coming down the line
I hope you are wrong... Microsoft needs to let it go and stop catering to every little need.

oh and btw ...

Support for Windows 7 is ending
All good things must come to an end, even Windows 7. After January 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs running Windows 7. But you can keep the good times rolling by moving to Windows 10.
www.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsforbusiness/end-of-windows-7-support

Going to throw a party!!!! going to be bigger better new year than Jan 1st!
Posted on Reply
#12
windwhirl
EatingDirtWhat's the point, really? There are already many Chromium based browsers to choose from if you don't want to use Chrome. Vivaldi, Opera, etc.

I guess it's fine to have another choice, I just find it a bit strange.
Imagine trying to download your favorite web browser only to find out you can't because Windows doesn't come with its own...

It seems to me Microsoft chose a cost-effective way of offering a modern browser bundled with their OS.
Posted on Reply
#13
Easo
I would not call this as having a launch. Still, a mistake in my opinion, but maybe their weight will make Google to lose a bit of control over Chromium.
Posted on Reply
#14
Mysteoa
windwhirlI'll be laughing if Microsoft takes Chrome's market away because of people thinking "oh, would you look at that, Chrome's already installed"
I'm no developer, but I'd like to see Edge current engines being open-sourced. Surely someone would make something out of them...
Not in the N version of widows. They forced Microsoft to to ask which browser you want and then installs it.
Mark LittleI for one hope that MS now adds a single additional step to Windows OS install process giving users a listed choice of edge browser or pick from their App Store.
It already exist as the windows N edition for EU
Posted on Reply
#15
Ubersonic
MysteoaIt already exist as the windows N edition for EU
The EU Windows N versions have no media (WMP/Skype/codecs/etc) capability installed, they still have a web browser.
Posted on Reply
#16
timta2
Taking someone else's work and putting their name on it is nothing new for Microsoft.
Posted on Reply
#17
Caring1
timta2Taking someone else's work and putting their name on it is nothing new for Microsoft.
You obviously have them confused with Apple.
Posted on Reply
#18
[XC] Oj101
Caring1You obviously have them confused with Apple.
No, that's Microsoft as well. PowerPoint, Skype, Vizio... I don't have a problem with it, as the products we use today are largely a product of Microsoft's involvement.
Posted on Reply
#19
nickbaldwin86
[XC] Oj101No, that's Microsoft as well. PowerPoint, Skype, Vizio... I don't have a problem with it, as the products we use today are largely a product of Microsoft's involvement.
what? you are confused to why they kept the name of the products they bought? they purchased Skype... Which is now dying and being turned into Teams.

No sure how you are faulting them for buying a software and keeping the name, changing the name would only confuse people, as they are doing with the Skype to Teams move now.
Posted on Reply
#20
[XC] Oj101
nickbaldwin86what? you are confused to why they kept the name of the products they bought? they purchased Skype... Which is now dying and being turned into Teams.

No sure how you are faulting them for buying a software and keeping the name, changing the name would only confuse people, as they are doing with the Skype to Teams move now.
Wow, you need to reread what I posted. I’m not faulting them at all.
Posted on Reply
#21
nickbaldwin86
[XC] Oj101Wow, you need to reread what I posted. I’m not faulting them at all.
that wasn't directly to only you. mostly everyone above... not really sure why this is the direction this thread has taken anyways, someone made a troll comment and here we are
Posted on Reply
#23
rtwjunkie
PC Gaming Enthusiast
timta2Taking someone else's work and putting their name on it is nothing new for Microsoft.
I gave you a 2 to counter the negative you got.

You are correct, no matter how much the most dedicated “MS can do no wrong” crowd says otherwise. Microsoft has for its entire history simply bought technologies and companies that do what they would like to do. I’m not faulting it, simply calling it for what it is.
Posted on Reply
#24
Ubersonic
rtwjunkieMicrosoft has for its entire history simply bought technologies and companies that do what they would like to do.
The one bizzare exception to that rule would be Skype, a company that did something Microsoft already did but not as well, then they just did bizarre stuff to try and push it (backfiring spectacularly in the home user market).
Posted on Reply
#25
remixedcat
does microsoft do anything anymore other than breaking things?
Posted on Reply
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