For the record, Microsoft Edge is already a stunner even this early. True, it's still in beta. And any discussion about its capacity done here is referring to the browser available from the Windows 10 Insider Program as unveiled during the tech giant's recent Build Conference. Of course, putting such a bare-bones browser head to head against Google Chrome or Friefox is a great disservice to Microsoft as it is but in its skeleton stage. Much like putting a Mayweather Jr. agains a Mike Tyson.
However, right from the onset there are certain killer features that would put the might of Chrome or that of Firefox to shame. Not totally but in three specific areas.
We dare say, it could be curtain calls for Internet Explorer after 14 years of lagging service. Eventually.
To get things going, you can avail of this for-testing-purposes Edge browser by updating via Windows Update to the most recent Build 10074. Between here and the official launching of Microsoft Edge which may be but months away, there is no assurance that the internet browser will stay as is.
First stop. Reading Mode.
There are two extra buttons available on the extreme right of the address bar. The one bearing the book symbol is for reading mode. Click on this and you get to have some sort of text only version of any current web-page. Cool!
Certainly, this is no software innovation but it's a killer feature that does away with all those pesky ads and pop-ups that comes along every time you visit a webpage. Without getting into an extension.
Second stop. Web notes.
You can activate this killer feature by clicking on the button further along the toolbar. A click and you'll be lead into a set of tools to write upon your current web page.
So with this tool, you turn any web page into a page of a book where you can leave your mark: write on it, make some notes and symbols or put some highlight like you would with a highlight pen.
Third stop. Cortana.
This is Microsoft's answer to Siri in the iOS world. What makes this a stunning feature is it's invaded your workstation.
Every now and then, Cortana, the digital online assistant is there to help you out. So if you would need a map when you're looking for a business. Or if you need to look up a word, just a right click and select Ask Cortana to get the online assistant fetch you the answers you need.
Just don't forget to activate Cortana by clicking the search box on the Taskbar and doing your S.O.P. Microsoft account sign-up.
And before we forget, Microsoft could be enjoying bucket loads of transfer from die-hard Firefox or Chrome fans, as it offers easy portability for add-ons and extensions from both camps. With a few tweaks.
Truly, features above are a cool departure from the extension-focused Chrome and Firefox. Just don't ask for Incognito Mode for this beta Microsoft Edge is still lacking the feature.
Even early on, at this beta stage Microsoft Edge is already turning heads.
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