Microsoft has dealt a sudden blow to Google Chrome with a bunch of exciting new features for its Edge browser.
Microsoft is wasting no time this year trying to catch up with its biggest browser rival Google Chrome. It’s not even the end of January, and Edge has just launched new features including a password generator and monitor, as well as its long-awaited Sleeping Tabs, new themes and revamped icons.
The password generator aims to make Edge users safer by suggesting secure and complex credentials when you sign up to a new service or change your password, Microsoft wrote in a blog. Meanwhile the password monitor notifies you when your details turn up in a breach. Chrome already offers a similar feature.
The Microsoft Edge password move is great for security, and better than nothing at all, but a third party password manager such as 1Password or LastPass is frankly, better. This is because they don’t limit you to just one browser.
More new Microsoft Edge features
Onto the other new Edge features. Microsoft has confirmed that the long awaited Sleeping Tabs capability, promising to boost browser performance by improving memory and CPU resource usage, is rolling out now.
Microsoft claims Edge’s sleeping tabs feature will reduce memory usage by about 32% and leads to a 37% lower CPU usage.
“Having too many tabs open can slow down your system and clog up computer resources,” said Liat Ben-Zur, corporate vice president at Microsoft Edge. “When you have several tabs open, [Sleeping Tabs] will release system resources for inactive tabs to help power new or existing tabs as well as other applications, preventing slowdowns and sluggishness.”
To get started, simply enable the Sleeping Tabs option in the browser settings menu.
Another cool Edge feature launched back in November is Vertical Tabs, which moves the tab bar from the top to the left side in a vertical layout.
Microsoft has also created 24 new themes to personalize your browser, with more coming over time. You can vary themes between accounts, using one for work and one for personal, if you wish.
It only launched a year ago, but Microsoft’s Edge browser has already upped the stakes to take on Google Chrome. However, it’s important to note that if you value your privacy and security, Edge does have a few issues as a primary browser.
This is because Microsoft confirmed in October that Edge would adopt the controversial Manifest V3 changes also in Google Chrome that could cause some ad blockers to break.
Edge does pack some exciting new features that allow it to take on Chrome. However, if you want a totally privacy focused browser, your best options are Brave or Firefox, which you can of course download in addition to Edge.
Source: forbes.com