Now, you can try Microsoft's Chromium-powered Edge browser: Here's how
Months after announcing the plan to shift Edge to Google's Chromium platform, Microsoft has finally started making a move towards ditching its own browser engine. The Redmond giant has released the Developer and Canary preview of Edge built on the open-source Chromium engine. The browser comes with some notable changes and can be downloaded on Windows 10. Here's how you can try it.
Edge becomes Chrome lookalike
In terms of looks, the Chromium-based version of Edge looks pretty similar to Google Chrome, except for a few tweaks here and there. It runs smoothly and is more of a basic version aimed at giving web and extension developers some insight into how Edge is changing. To note, the preview build already supports extensions which you can easily download and use.
Sync support to be enhanced
Chromium-based Edge will also sync information, but as of now, that feature hasn't fully evolved and only bookmarks are synced; other stuff, including browsing history, passwords, and extension syncing, will come in a future build of the browser.
Windows integration already present
While the interface of Chromium-based Edge looks similar to Chrome, there are some elements that make it different. For instance, when you launch the browser, it presents three different tab layout options to choose from, one with a search bar and some bookmarks, other with a Bing-inspired colorful background, and a third with Microsoft's news feed - much like Edge.
More features, design changes to come
As we said, it is more of a basic avatar of what it's about to become. In the upcoming Canary and Developer builds, we may see the introduction of Windows or Edge-specific features like reading list, annotations, and book reader. Not to mention, Microsoft also plans to tweak tab management and interface capabilities to make the browser stand out in the crowd, TechCrunch reported.
150 Microsoft commits in Chromium
As The Verge reports, Microsoft has got some 150 commits accepted into Chrome, including those for smooth scrolling support, Windows Hello integration, and enhanced accessibility. Notably, Microsoft also plans to add its Fluent Design elements into the browser.
How to try current Chromium-built Edge
If you're willing to try the current Chromium-built version of Edge, head over to Microsoft's new Edge insider site and download the Canary or Developer channel. The former will be updated on a daily basis, while the latter will get weekly updates. However, don't use these builds as your final browser; they are early test versions and might carry bugs affecting your browsing experience.
