Edge Browser Slowly Improving

Microsoft's Edge browser has had a couple of usability tweaks in response to user feedback. However, some planned and hoped-for improvements are yet to materialize.

The two changes are showcased in a test preview of Windows 10 that's available to people who have signed up for early access to new features, so it may be a little while before they are available to the general public.

The first change is the addition of synchronized bookmarks, a feature common in other browsers. Edge users will now be able to access and update bookmarks across multiple devices as long as they are signed in to the same Microsoft account. Surprisingly this seems to be turned off by default, though this could change once it's officially rolled out.

Middle Mouse Button More Powerful

The second change brings added controls using the middle button on the mouse, which for many people is a clickable scroll wheel. Pressing down on the scroll wheel while using Edge currently opens a new tab. With the new changes, clicking the same button while the mouse cursor is on the Edge icon on the desktop, taskbar or Start menu will open a new Edge window, even if one is already open. This is a feature that is already available in Internet Explorer. (Source: neowin.net)

That said, there is still no sign of the tab preview feature that Microsoft previously talked about. When that appears, it will mean that hovering over a tab at the top of the browser will bring up a small thumbnail image showing what is on the relevant web page.

What's really surprising is that all three of these features were mentioned months ago. That raises the question of why Microsoft didn't have them ready when Edge launched alongside Windows 10. (Source: windowscentral.com)

Extensions and Add-Ons Still Missing

Edge is also still missing any form of add-on or extension system, in which third-party developers can make tools that use the browser. Microsoft has never promised such a feature, but it seems a major omission considering it's available in most major rival browsers.

One possible explanation is that it wants to keep Edge as simple and quick as possible, and allowing third-party tools could risk slowing it down or even crashing.

What's Your Opinion?

Have you tried the Edge browser? Have you noticed any missing features that you expect in a browser? Does Edge offer performance benefits that make up for its lack of bells and whistles.