Microsoft Edge is not a new browser, but a number of Windows users are noticing the latest version of it.
Earlier, the browser was way behind Firefox and Chrome in terms of performance, browser features and extensions.
Now, the new Edge browser is built on Chromium, the same codebase used by Google Chrome. Chromium allows web developers to build a safe, fast and stable experience.
The settings and layout of Edge are similar to Google Chrome.
At first glance, Edge will seem just like Chrome, the sole difference being the Microsoft logo.
You can also import all your passwords and saved data to Edge.
Now, the question is, why should you use Edge instead of Chrome?
Well, the focus of Edge browser is different from Chrome. Productivity and privacy are prime focus of Edge.
Browser Privacy
Edge hosts better privacy and security features than other browsers.
Though you can also consider Chrome extensions to add more privacy settings to your browser, Edge strikes a difference by stopping advertisers from tracking you wherever you go.
Edge offers the following privacy settings:
- Basic
- Balanced
- Strict
Using these settings, you can add more strength to your browser.
Edge also allows you to block the “potentially unwanted apps”, including adware and other nuisances that you may install unintentionally. This is not available as default, but you have to turn it on from the Settings section.
Like Chrome’s Incognito mode, Edge come with the InPrivate mode. When you are in this mode, the browser will automatically delete cookies, history and site data.
Increased Productivity
Microsoft has always designed its features keeping user requirement in mind.
The Edge browser is no exception.
The immersive reader mode of Edge is free from all distracting side panels and menus. It keeps out the advertisements and allows to change the text and the font size. Moreover, it features a read aloud mode. The sound is natural and is quite pleasing to listen to!
The PDF reader from Edge is also quite commendable. If you use multiple devices, it will be of great help. You can write or edit the PDFs even if you do not have a stylus, touchpad input or touch screen.
Easy to Organise Browsing
If you open a number of browsers at a time, your browser, and at times, your computer too tends to slow down. Moreover, finding things can be tough. Edge comes with a few features that will help you navigate through the tabs.
Collections, built into your browser, allows to hoard information from multiple websites. You can use it as a reference, export it to Excel or Word or email it. Easy and straightforward to use, you can access this feature from your iOS, Android, Mac or PC.
Vertical tabs are yet another useful feature, perfect to be used if you open multiple tabs. You can organise them on the basis of a topic. For example, you can organise your research on holiday destinations under the vacation tab.
The Edge browser seems to offer the best of everything, performance of Chrome, accessibility and privacy of Safari, backward compatibility of Explorer and commendable user experience. Moreover, the option to use it across multiple devices is an added plus!
Are you considering a switch?
