What is Microsoft Edge?
One of the reasons techies have often chosen Chromium for browser development is also one of the initial goals of the original Chromium team. In 2009, it said it wanted to make a browser “feel lightweight (cognitively and physically) and fast.” On this point, Edge has already found great success.
Reasons to Use Microsoft Edge
There are various reasons for using Edge on both Windows 10 and macOS. Among these are the following:
Security and Privacy
For years, advertisers collected user data through web browsers without missing a beat. Many consumers have grown tired of this, so companies like Microsoft are becoming proactive and adding more security and privacy tools to browsers. With Edge, users can now pick from three security settings: Basic, Balanced, and Strict. You can also easily block adware and other “potentially unwanted apps” from ruining your browser experience. Microsoft will also alert you even any of your stored passwords were part of a security breach. Edge also offers InPrivate browsing, which deletes your browsing info when you close InPrivate-specific windows. Unfortunately, it also prevents Microsoft from connecting you to Bing searches.
Lower Memory Usage
Google Chrome was once a winner when it came to using computer resources. Unfortunately, its memory usage has worsened in recent years. Edge doesn’t yet have this problem and hopefully never will. For anyone who multitasks significantly throughout the day, saving on memory is important and could quickly improve your workflow.
Immersive Reader Mode
Among the learning and accessibility tools in Edge is the Immersive Reader. Designed to improve reading comprehension and enhance learning, the tool simplifies a page layout by removing clutter. It’s ideally suited for those with dyslexia and dysgraphia, although anyone can use the tool.
Compatibility
There are two areas relating to compatibility that make Edge an excellent choice for many. First, because the browser uses Chromium, it supports your favorite Chrome extensions, which means fewer headaches when making a switch. Second, the browser is also available across multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.
Other Features
Collections are another popular Edge feature. With Collections, you can save articles (and group similar websites) to read later. With Editor, grammar, spelling, and style suggestions are made in real-time. It’s a proofing tool that’s offered in three languages. Finally, consider Read Aloud, which makes it possible to hear what’s on a webpage from a soothing voice.
Who Should Use Microsoft Edge?
If you like what you’ve read above and are looking for a new browser, Edge is probably a great choice for you. It’s offered across multiple platforms, uses less memory than other browsers, and has advanced security features not found on other solutions. Edge is also the best choice if you’re heavily into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Those Who Might Want to Think Twice
Google Chrome is still the king of web browsers, and that’s probably not going to change anytime soon. One of the reasons for this is the hard fast integration with other Google products, including Gmail, Google Photos, Google Docs, Google Maps, and more. For more information, check out our growing library of Microsoft Edge how-tos, reviews, and news. In the meantime, happy surfing. Note that there is still an old version of the original Edge that came with Windows 10 still out there; Microsoft has discontinued it. It no longer receives support, and the Chromium-based version of Edge is replacing it. If you have used Google Chrome for any length of time, working through the new version of Edge will be a piece of cake. Comment Name * Email *
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