Microsoft details Edge browser improvements in the Windows 10 Creators Update
Microsoft details Edge browser improvements in the Windows 10 Creators Update
Microsoft has today detailed the new features and improvements coming to the Edge browser in the Windows 10 Creators Update that’s expected to arrive in April.
Here’s a quick rundown:
New tab management features
Aimed to address the “chaos and clutter of the web and the fear of losing tabs”, Edge will have a toggle to show thumbnails of all open tabs. Need a fresh start but still want to keep a few of your current two dozen tabs? Users can also select tabs and set them aside.
3D capabilities
Edge will support WebVR so users can experience virtual reality via the web using VR devices and upcoming Windows Mixed Reality hardware.
Ebooks
I’ve covered this before, but to recap, there’s a new Books section in Windows Store that lets you find and buy ebooks. Edge is where you read these ebooks and the browser will support the EPUB ebook format and have tools for you to customize the reading experience (e.g., custom font sizes, layouts, themes, navigation control, Cortana integration, etc.).
Easier online shopping
Edge will support the Payment Request API. Because this works with Microsoft Wallet on Windows 10 PCs, when you shop on participating websites, you’ve the option to checkout using payment info stored in Microsoft Wallet.
More Edge extensions
With the Creators Update, extension developers now have access to over 30% more APIs than last year’s initial release, including access to favorites, roaming data between PCs, and the ability to securely communicate with other installed applications.
A leaner and more powerful browser
Microsoft hasn’t forgotten that Edge is still primarily a web browser. According to Drew DeBruyne, general manager for Microsoft Edge, the browser “will be even faster and more responsive on your favorite sites, will get even more out of your battery than today’s industry-leading efficiency.” It will also “introduce powerful new defenses to keep you safe on the web.”
Source: Microsoft.