Edge is... actually GOOD now!?

Edge began as a Microsoft browser with ambitious features like reading mode and easy markup sharing, but it struggled with speed, memory usage, and a lack of extensions. The video traces its evolution from the original Edge built on their own tech to a Chromium-based Edge that aligns more with Chrome in terms of performance and extension support. Early on, the host explains how Edge offered different layouts at new tab startup, including focused, inspirational, and informational layouts, and how data import from Chrome can smooth the transition. The discussion also covers the shift to Chromium, the ability to install Chrome Web Store extensions, and the potential caveats around compatibility, where some extensions may not work as expected. The host emphasizes that Edge is not merely a fresh chrome clone, but a browser aiming to balance openness with a curated add-on ecosystem, while acknowledging that some Edge-specific features from the old version may be missing at launch, such as certain tab management options and a native dark mode. The video then scrutinizes performance through standard benchmarks, showing Edge holding up well against Chrome and Firefox, though Firefox still leads in several tests, with Edge closing the gap in others. It concludes with a broader question about market share and influence, suggesting that if Edge gains enough traction, Google could gain unprecedented control over browser standards, while also noting Google’s stated openness and continued collaboration with the web ecosystem. The closing verdict is nuanced: Edge is a strong Chromium-based option worth considering, but users may still prefer Firefox or Safari for privacy or personal workflow reasons, and Edge’s long-term evolution remains tied to how well it balances new features with compatibility and performance.

Topics · technology · web-browsers · internet · open-web