Exploring the Latest Innovations In New Edge Features

Is Edge Better Than Chrome?

Chrome and Google’s giant market share can lead you to believe Chrome is the best browser and there is a reason for that. Google frankly created the best search engine on the market, quickly becoming the most used and trusted browser. Their search engine when using operands like and, plus, minus, or, and others in a search produced the most focused searches available. The popularity of both Chrome and Google Search over time and phrases like “Just Google It” didn’t hurt.

The Growth Of Edge And Bing

From “tech savvy” users to seniors, Edge and Bing are loading up with enhanced features making them more and more the go-to browser for Windows users. The difference between the version of Edge released with Windows 10 and the current version is considerable. If the clumsy performance of earlier versions of Edge turned you off, I believe it is time to try it again.

First of all, switching to the Chromium-based platform not only enhanced its capabilities, it gave it room to grow. Something that Internet Explorer could never be.

Searching for specific topics in Bing was a sling-shot approach. Without the ability to match Google’s search results Edge appeared doomed to remain a step or several steps behind. However, with the introduction of Chat GPT and Copilot, Edge searches can be as specific as anything Google can produce. In most cases, it is better because of the ability of AI to interpret the user’s request. If both browsers produce effective searches, the only differences left are security and features.

Recent improvements in Edge have improved its security and accessibility, with additional features that enhance the user experience. I have mentioned several in previous articles but the number keeps growing and I am impressed with most of them. If you are currently using a browser other than Edge, you may not be aware of the changes.

New Features

Since it was first released Edge and Bing have released several new features with several more soon to be released. Features like (features with an asterisk were covered in detail in 10 Reasons To Use Edge):

• Immersive Reader
• Vertical Tabs
• Translation
• Sidebar
• Collections
• Rewards
• Content Generation (AI)
• Chat GPT (AI)
• PWAs
• Workspaces:
  • Edge Workspaces lets you create separate browsing environments for different tasks or projects. You can group related tabs into separate workspaces, Each workspace has its own set of tabs and favorites that are automatically saved and kept up to date
  • Share your workspaces with others where everyone in your group can view the same websites and tabs remain synchronized

• • Workspaces can be named and color-coded to make organization easier
• Tab Action Menu:
  • Allows you to turn on vertical tabs
  • Search tabs
  • See recently closed tabs (History)
  • View tabs from other devices
  • Move all tabs to a new workspace
• Sleep Tabs:
  • To use this feature Open Settings and search for “sleeping tabs”
  • Choose to use sleeping tabs
  • You may choose to have sleeping tabs fade
  • Put inactive tabs to sleep after a specified time
  • Choose to exclude sites from performance optimization
• Secure Network:
  • Mask your IP Address
  • Encrypt your Data – all browsing data is encrypted
  • Route your traffic through Cloudflare Servers
  • This feature currently has a 1GB per month limit and requires you to log in to your Microsoft account
• Browser Essentials:
  • Provides insight into your browser’s health. When set it will notify you when attention is needed for performance or security and recommend actions
• Invite Collaboration:
  • Invite anyone with Edge to join you they will see your same open and new tabs and open their tabs for you to view
• Split Screen:
  • Use the split screen icon to open two tabs side by side
• Screenshot:
  • Capture an area of a website or the entire page
• Copilot:
  • Chat, compose, search, and determine how it will be displayed

Summary

The debate between Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome is ongoing and will continue to be. It usually comes down to personal preference and specific needs. If more features, better integration with Windows, and efficient use of screen space are continuing improvements that are what you are looking for, give Edge another shot. If familiarity and simplicity are of greater importance, then continuing with Chrome is what you need. I advocate for both on my PC. Remember, Chrome is never going to mention new improvements in Edge so don’t forget to check once in a while if you are a dedicated Chrome user.

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