What’s new in Microsoft Edge Chromium?
The biggest news is the change to the rendering core, which is identical to Chromium. The new Edge will be offered on multiple platforms. Not only will it be on Windows 7, 8 and 10, macOS, Android and iOS platforms, but a Linux version is also in the works! To help you get started quickly on all platforms with the new Edge, there is integrated syncing of history, bookmarks, passwords, and it is available through your Microsoft account.
The arrival of the new Edge for developers eliminates the optimization of pages for the older Microsoft Edge, as Microsoft has decided to stop development of the core edgeHTML. Of course, Internet Explorer mode is also included, which is handy for web applications written for the older browser type, which are still in use, especially in the corporate and government spheres. Microsoft also outlined its preparation for dark mode, which has become increasingly prevalent in recent years.
Speed
The Chromium rendering kernel has brought some interesting changes. There are no longer any one-second delays when loading web pages, which was irritating for many users with old versions of Edge. Web browsing is much smoother and seamless, but of course it also depends on the speed of your connection.
Initial benchmark tests showed comparable speeds to Google’s browser, and JavaScript processing, for example, was much faster than the popular Firefox.
What are the advantages of the new Edge?
- Change from edgeHTML to Chromium.
- Built-in tracking protection.
- Support for Chrome extensions. (Just enable alternate sources and then use the Chrome Web Store)
- Saves RAM. This feature is especially appreciated by owners of devices with 4 GB of RAM or less.
- Better video playback support compared to other browsers. Edge is still the only browser where you run content in 4K on Netlfix.
- Easy migration of data (passwords, bookmarks) from other browsers.
- Initial tests on laptops show higher battery life than with other browsers.
How do you get Microsoft Edge Chromium?
The January update to Windows 10 will replace the original version of Microsoft Edge, using Windows Update. In addition, all required system updates that came out between July and October last year for Windows 10 must be installed. Other supported operating systems for which you can download the new MS Edge are Windows 7, 8, macOS, iOS and Android. A Linux version is also planned.
For more information regarding Microsoft Edge, including availability and downloads, visit the official site.
We, as developers of web applications, websites and e-stores welcome this news! Still many people use a pre-installed browser and this creates a large group for which extra optimization must be done. The new Microsoft Edge may become a decent browser that will have nothing to be ashamed of, in several ways it may even positively surprise.