A few years ago, Microsoft Edge was known to users and developers under the codename Project Spartan, or simply Spartan.
Microsoft Edge is a web browser that was released in 2015 with Windows 10 and replaced the well-known but outdated Internet Explorer.
So what makes Microsoft Edge different and attractive to users?
- Ability to use Cortana as a search assistant
Cortana is an intelligent personal assistant and knowledge navigator developed by Microsoft specifically for Windows 10. You can use it from the Start menu on your PC or integrate it with Microsoft Edge to make searching the web much faster. This assistant works in conjunction with the Bing search engine.
Cortana uses human language processing, so it’s important to use and pronounce words and terms correctly.
For example, if a user wants to know the weather, they write the word “weather” in the search bar and Cortana shows the current state of affairs according to their location with an attractive visual icon.
This assistant can also be used to quickly and easily convert foreign currencies to the local currency in real time, and it is also useful as an English dictionary (by entering any word, you get its meaning and explanation).
- Doodle directly on the website
This is a very interesting feature, and many designers turn to it when implementing their projects. Microsoft Edge allows anyone to add their own web notes to web pages. To do this, just click on the “Make a web note” button on the top bar, and when the toolbar with a purple background appears, you can start working.
It contains the necessary tools, such as a pen, marker, eraser, printed note, and a trimming tool. You can also choose any color for the text and the size of the brush itself. When you’re done, you can save the note. To do this, everyone chooses the storage method they prefer from the list of proposed ones.
- Get rid of distractions
Microsoft Edge has a great feature called Reading Preview. It will help the user not to be distracted by intrusive constant advertising.
Most of the time, the Reading View is inactive on the home page, but it is active when individual posts start to appear.
The interface is minimalistic and elegant, reminiscent of RSS readers. However, if you need to process information quickly, this feature is perfect for you.
- Create a challenging reading list
Microsoft Edge boasts another useful feature, the Reading List.
Users can add web pages to their own reading list by clicking on the Favorites icon found in the top bar and selecting Reading List from the tab.
You can access the generated list later. To do this, click on “Hub” in the top bar. The articles you select will be arranged one after the other.
- Sharing through the integrated access panel
The integrated Share panel makes it easy to share what you find while surfing the web. To access this function, click on the “Share” icon located in the top panel.
- Safety from unpleasant extensions
Microsoft Edge does not support browser extensions that can be used for various operations, such as ActiveX, VML, and VB scripts.
Other functions also provide security. For example, Edge Login, Process, Sandboxing, Microsoft SmartScreen. You can optionally configure security settings such as smart screen filtering and cookie management.
Microsoft Edge is getting a free built-in VPN that will allow users to encrypt their IP address from providers. The feature called Edge Secure Network is powered by Cloudflare.
- Functionality for distance learning
Microsoft Edge is ideal for the classroom, as it features learning tools that improve reading skills and help create inclusive lessons.
The browser has inclusive tools to empower every student. For example, immersion in the text, reading aloud, focus function.
Developers offer users, students and teachers, a wide range of special browser extensions to help improve productivity and learning.
These include:
- Flip is a free video discussion platform from Microsoft that helps teachers see and hear every student in the classroom.
- Wakelet – helps to bookmark absolutely all necessary website pages.
- Kami – editing documents of any format.
So, the new Microsoft Edge browser has many advantages and can be useful for users of all ages and specialties.